Salome Asega, Artist, Researcher, Director
Salome Asega is the Director of NEW INC, an incubator for art, design and technology entrepreneurs run by the New Museum in New York. She's also an artist and researcher whose practice celebrates dissensus and multivocality.
APOSSIBLE™ is a non-profit bringing psychologists, technologists, artists and creatives together to explore how technology can better support creativity and human fulfillment. In this ongoing interview series we’re discovering what people value, what makes their lives fulfilling, and what kinds of relationships to technology they already cherish.
1. What is a ritual, practice, or routine in your life that is important for your psychological wellbeing and/or fulfillment? Why?
In 2022, I adopted a small, merle Poodle pup named Romeo. Our long morning walks have been an important daily routine that allows me to set a tone for my day. I rarely listen to music or talk on the phone during my morning walk and instead enjoy being present in my neighborhood, ever aware of the micro-changes block by block. These walks give me opportunities to see the same sites from new perspectives, clear my mind, and practice deep breathwork.
2. What is a human-made creation that brings out the best in you? Why?
Instruments of style! From clothing to accessories to shoes to hair, I find empowerment in these human-made creations that allow me to practically protect myself and more importantly express who I am each day. Style is a daily storytelling tool and has the ability to communicate so much including values and mood.
3. When do you cherish the slow or hard way of doing something? Why?
When traveling, I usually have my Yashica point and shoot in hand. I enjoy how analog photography requests a slowness and presence– setting up a shot, measuring the light, and taking a photo without immediately seeing the image. Film requires patience and trust. I love the anticipation of picking up a developed roll of film and sharing the images with the people I traveled with. We live in a time of intense convenience, and I find some joy in not having total control at my fingertips.
4. What is something you appreciate or long for from the past? Why?
When having a conversation with friends at dinner or over drinks. Debate the topic a bit longer. Follow the thread. Don’t rush to accuracy or truth. I miss a time before smart phones when friends would reason and discuss without jumping to a web search. I miss sitting in the unknowing and reflecting on our individual and collective embodied knowledge.