Recent watercolor painting: Beauty a refuge from counterfeit façade.

Recent watercolor painting: Beauty a refuge from counterfeit façade.

24 x 18 inches, watercolor, 2024 by Myungja Anna Koh

In a world often besieged by the superficial, beauty stands as a refuge—an oasis amidst the desert of counterfeit facades. It transcends mere aesthetics; it embodies authenticity, truth, and depth. True beauty emanates from within, radiating outward to touch hearts and souls.
In a society fixated on appearances and outward validation, it's easy to fall prey to the allure of superficiality. The pressure to conform to unrealistic standards of beauty can lead to a relentless pursuit of perfection, leaving individuals feeling inadequate and disconnected from their true selves. Yet, amidst this chaos, genuine beauty serves as a guiding light, illuminating the path to self-acceptance and inner peace.
True beauty is found in authenticity—in embracing one's flaws and imperfections with grace and humility. It's the courage to be vulnerable, to show the world your true essence without fear or shame. It's in the laughter lines that etch themselves around your eyes, the scars that tell stories of resilience and strength, and the quirks that make you uniquely you.
Moreover, beauty transcends physical appearance, manifesting in acts of kindness, compassion, and empathy. It's the warmth of a smile, the gentle touch of a hand, and the sincerity of a heartfelt gesture. Beauty resides in the depths of the human soul, where love and compassion intertwine to create moments of profound connection and understanding.
In nature, beauty abounds in its purest form—a harmony of colors, shapes, and textures that captivate the senses and nourish the soul. From the majestic mountains to the delicate petals of a flower, nature's beauty serves as a reminder of the inherent harmony and balance that exist in the world.
Yet, amidst the chaos and uncertainty of life, beauty remains a constant—a beacon of hope in times of darkness, a source of inspiration in moments of despair. It's a reminder that even in the midst of adversity, there is always something beautiful to be found—a glimmer of light amidst the shadows, a ray of hope piercing through the clouds.
Ultimately, beauty is not merely a reflection in the mirror or a fleeting moment of admiration—it is a state of being, a way of living authentically and wholeheartedly. It is the recognition of the inherent worth and dignity within each individual, a celebration of the unique and wondrous history of life. In a world often overshadowed by counterfeit facades, true beauty shines as a beacon of hope, guiding us back to ourselves and reminding us of the extraordinary beauty that resides within.

One day in a dream I saw an angel with a snake's tail looking into a mirror. After waking up from my dream, I drew a picture of this bizarre and mysterious scene. Art is a refuge from counterfeit appearances. It allows us to escape the realm of visible mirrors and see the behind.