Finding Gray

Life often feels like a spectrum of extremes—right or wrong, good or bad, success or failure. We are conditioned to see the world in black and white, but reality is rarely that simple. Between these polarities lies the gray—an ambiguous, nuanced space where contradictions coexist and truths overlap.

Finding gray means embracing uncertainty and accepting that not everything fits neatly into predefined categories. It’s about recognizing that life’s answers aren’t always absolute and that beauty often resides in the complexity of the in-between. It’s the space where empathy softens judgment, where open minds replace rigid beliefs, and where harmony is forged from understanding rather than opposition.

In my art, gray is not just a color—it’s a philosophy. It represents the blend of perspectives, the merging of contradictions, and the quiet acknowledgment that life is richer when we allow room for ambiguity. Finding gray means finding balance, acceptance, and the courage to exist without complete certainty.

In the painting, I have also used earthy tones alongside black, white, and gray. The earthy tones represent awakening from the grassroots—the raw, relentless hustle of beating through the bush, putting in endless effort to find the path ahead. They embody the struggle and perseverance that shape our journey, grounding us in the reality of growth and progress.

All those dripping colors and scratches symbolize sweat, tears, hardships and setbacks—the marks left behind by resilience and the determination to keep moving forward despite obstacles. They reflect the raw, unfiltered essence of the journey—messy, imperfect, but undeniably real.

Me or We

The eternal conflict between choosing oneself versus others—the struggle of balancing self-interest with selflessness. I often find myself prioritizing others before my own needs, but this leaves me feeling unfulfilled and dissatisfied. On the other hand, when I focus on myself, a sense of guilt creeps in, making me feel selfish.

This internal tug-of-war leaves me questioning where to draw the line. How do we balance our own well-being with the desire to care for others? This dilemma is a recurring theme in my life and resonates deeply through my art, capturing the complexity of navigating between 'me' and 'we'.

The abstract faces in my painting represent society as a whole—the collective presence and diverse perspectives that surround us. The one face at the top is me, looking on with a sense of dilemma, caught between the conflicting choices of ‘me’ versus ‘we.’ It symbolizes the struggle to balance individuality with community, self-interest with selflessness. This visual representation captures the essence of my internal conflict, as I navigate the delicate line between personal fulfillment and the expectations of society.

The cracks in the form of texture represent the dilemmas—the fractures within the psyche as I navigate the conflict between self and others. The use of white and yellow creates a soothing contrast, offering a sense of calm that is not disturbing but rather thought-provoking. It subtly hints at the possibility of resolution while still embracing the complexity of the internal struggle.

The Eternal Enigma

The Eternal Enigma:
‘Enigma’ is a Greek word for riddles. The pursuit of life’s purpose has always fascinated me. What is the endgame of all this drama? Are we free agents in the universe without an objective purpose, or does it depend on the individual? For some, meaning lies in love, happiness, fulfillment, joy, contentment, kindness, compassion, and empathy, while others find it in power, money, competition, legacy, and immortality.

Whatever the case may be, life’s true meaning remains elusive. Perhaps the beauty of this enigma is meant to be eternal. This quest encourages perspective, self-discovery, self-actualization, and introspection. In the end, life’s meaning is a colorful mosaic pieced together, where each color represents love, empathy, connection, and growth.

In my painting, every color and texture embody these enigmas—each one a fragment of life’s mystery, making it both puzzling and worth living.

"At last, I've attuned to my inner voice."

"Diving deep within to uncover answers, I embarked on a journey to find contentment and joy, a path that led me away from the clamor of wrong directions. This expedition, both exciting and daunting, culminated in the creation of my own art website. For years, I had silenced my inner voice, but the urge to reconnect with my genuine desires became too compelling to ignore. It was as if I had opened a door to an exhilarating world, rediscovering the joys that had eluded me. In the act of painting once again, I found myself immersed in the same exuberance that had colored my past. This rediscovery has become a haven of tranquility, strength, and focus. With each stroke of the brush, each blend of colors, I tread a path that rekindles my spirit. The canvas is now my sanctuary, where anxiety takes a backseat, and the journey itself becomes a cherished destination. Painting abstract art is akin to reading a cherished book. No matter how many times you peruse its pages, each reading unveils something new and intriguing. Likewise, the canvas tells its story anew with every artistic endeavor, holding a promise of perpetual discovery."

"Battle between heart and mind."

"We often advocate listening to the heart rather than the mind. Yet, why do we subject our own heart and mind to an internal struggle? Amidst the battles we face externally, must we forge conflict within our very selves? Instead, consider a harmonious union of heart and mind, where they complement one another seamlessly. To plunge into the realm of art requires complete immersion of both body and soul. As fear dissipates, the true essence of art emerges. Unleash yourself, casting aside judgments, negativity, and premature conclusions. Embrace liberation and embark on the journey. After all, let the heart and mind not wrestle, but join hands as you embark on this creative odyssey."