ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Emily Naismith on the Power of Delusional Thinking

publication · 2026-05-20

Emily Naismith reflects on her lifelong tendency toward delusional thinking, recounting a childhood memory of attending a Beastie Boys concert in Melbourne where she believed Ad-Rock made eye contact with her personally. She connects this to a more recent experience of feeling invincible on an airport travelator, despite mundane reality. The essay explores the gap between self-perception and reality, suggesting there is value in embracing a certain level of delusion.

Key facts

  • Emily Naismith wrote the essay 'something to say: i am the greatest'.
  • The essay appears in issue 131 of frankie magazine.
  • Naismith recalls attending a Beastie Boys concert at Festival Hall in Melbourne as a teenager.
  • She was seated at the back with her friend Katie, both wearing matching parachute outfits from op shops.
  • Naismith believed Ad-Rock made eye contact and thanked her personally.
  • Her friend Katie laughed and told her he did not.
  • Naismith later realized the impossibility of being seen from the stage.
  • The essay is available in print from frankie shop or stockists.

Entities

Artists

  • Emily Naismith
  • Ad-Rock
  • Beastie Boys
  • Charli XCX
  • Jacob Elordi

Institutions

  • frankie magazine
  • Festival Hall

Locations

  • Melbourne
  • Australia

Sources