Embracing the Mystery is a juried exhibition curated by students in the Professional Practices class at Palomar College. The exhibition delves into the unsettling and unknown aspects of life, exploring existential questions such as: What is the past? What is the future? What is consciousness? What are dreams? As Thich Nhat Hanh reminds us, “The present moment is the only moment available to us, and it is the door to all moments.” Life is a mystery; the only tangible reality is the ever-changing present.

The exhibition presents a collection of two-dimensional works — including photography, video, painting, and drawing — by forty-two artists. The artists explore both internal and external landscapes, reflecting on themes such as isolation, exploration, entrapment, love, and the human body. Works like Lina Al’s Self Love and Jim Eighmey’s Rio Frio Caves, Belize exemplify the diverse subject matter.