A Candlelight of Hope in a Shaken World

A Candlelight of Hope in a Shaken World

​The news I heard from a local gallery recently weighed heavily on my heart. The society is tense due to tariffs and political issues, and only one piece was sold during the exhibition period. I was grateful that it was my painting, but at the same time, I couldn’t help but feel the bitter reality. However, I believe that art has a greater power of comfort in times like these.

The picture I posted below is a picture of candles in two hands. This small burning light against a dark background symbolizes hope, warmth, and the undying flame within humans. We always expect big, flashy lights, but what we actually need most may be the quiet, small lights that protect us even in the darkness.

In times like these when the economy is shrinking and people’s hearts are less relaxed, the number of people buying paintings may decrease. However, I hope that the visitors to this exhibition felt small but deep comfort and warmth from the paintings. Art can permeate emotions even if it is not owned.

Even during the Korean War, artists painted, exhibited, and sold paintings. Art existed and had to exist in any situation. This exhibition reminds me of the reason. The theme of the exhibition started with the question, 'Why do we paint even in adverse conditions?', and I think I found the answer.

Art is that candle. In a noisy world, it is a being that lights up people's hearts with hope and desire, like a quietly burning light. I hope that the paintings we paint today will become a small light in someone's heart.

A heartfelt reflection on how art, like a candlelight, can offer comfort in unstable times. Discover the quiet power of painting during crisis, and why artists continue to create even when the world falters.