Art is the best friend you can find in despair.

Art is the best friend you can find in despair

​Sometimes we experience despair and depression to the point where we can no longer feel the light and hope. Even the most famous actors and influencers who seem to shine the brightest in the world have tears flowing behind their curtains. It’s just that no one can see those tears, but these times are given to everyone equally. That’s why we can sympathize when someone is sad or in pain.

In Eastern philosophy, it is said that human life changes in a 10-year cycle. This is called great fortune. When you are lucky, your appearance changes beautifully, and no matter what you do, everyone praises, envies, and loves you. However, when you are unlucky, no matter how hard you try, you are criticized, ignored, and sometimes humiliated. You become completely lonely. If you are lucky, you will succeed in everything. Of course, this does not mean that you ignore hard work and effort . This is just Eastern philosophy.

In Eastern philosophy, this phenomenon is called the ‘Four Pillars of Destiny.’ I do not believe in fortune telling, but I know well that there is a cyclical up and down flow in life. And I also know that once you experience a downfall, the whole world becomes dark as if that is all there is. At that moment, no comfort or affirmation works. It is painful as if your heart is being torn apart and you cannot see ahead.

At times like this, art was my best friend. I held the brush as if I was holding on to a branch of a cliff. And I climbed up to the ground with all my strength.

When you fall into despair and come up to the ground, you may be tormented for a while by the fear and loneliness you felt at the bottom of the cliff. You may feel empty or depressed again. However, as time passes, you will look objectively at the cliff you climbed up with all your might. Sometimes you may be grateful that you are on the ground and receiving sunlight and listening birds chirping. And after recovering your energy, you may build a fence to prevent anyone else from falling into the same cliff of despair as you.

​So never give up or be discouraged. Even when you feel at the bottom, you will not always be in despair. You will come up above the ground and know what freedom, happiness, and hope are. Think about the only thing you can hold on to when you are hanging on the edge of a cliff. Other than religion and family. For me, it was art. And I believe that one day, you will come out of the darkness and smile at the cliff you have been struggling on.