8×10, oils on canvas, 2018
The word “goodbye” carries a weight that can be crushing, a single word that can signify the end of cherished connections, dreams, and aspirations. The collective impact of these goodbyes, echoing through our lives, can manifest as a profound sense of sadness, a sorrow that extends far beyond the simple absence of joy.
Sadness is not merely the opposite of happiness; it is a complex emotion that arises from the loss of something precious, something that has brought meaning and fulfillment into our lives. It is not a linear path, but rather a stormy sea of emotions, encompassing feelings of agony, despair, and longing. In this ethereal abstract artwork, I capture the multifaceted nature of sadness and goodbyes, using a harmonious blend of dark and bright hues. The canvas becomes a space for introspection, where the shadows and negative emotions intertwine with the lingering remnants of happiness, creating a poignant tapestry of loss.
By juxtaposing these contrasting emotions, I challenge the conventional perception of sadness as a purely negative state. Instead, I suggest that sadness is an integral part of the human experience, a necessary component of growth and resilience. It is through the depths of sadness that we learn to appreciate the fullness of joy, to cherish the connections we have, and to navigate the inevitable goodbyes that life throws our way.
“What was it like to love him? Asked Gratitude.
It was like being exhumed, I answered, and brought to life in a flash of brilliance.
What was it like to be loved in return? Asked Joy.
It was like being seen after a perpetual darkness, I replied. To be heard after a lifetime of silence.
What was it like to lose him? Asked Sorrow. There was a long pause before I responded:
It was like hearing every goodbye ever said to me—said all at once.”
― Lang Leav