28/12/2025
: THE GLIMPSE OF US
MEDIUM: Oil on Canvas..
It has been three years since I picked up my brush again to complete this painting—one I once intended to burn. I was 17 when I first started it, beginning with the sketch, and 21 when I finally finished it. It took a handful of difficult decisions to choose whether to continue this painting or abandon it, along with the memories behind the reason why I started it in the first place. Then I thought—why abandon my own creation when I can simply abandon the memories tied to it and give it a new, meaningful purpose while completing it? Why stay with those memories when I can create a new one with the same piece?
The Glimpse of Us was meant to represent a fleeting, tearing moment between two lovers. We only get a glimpse of each other while people linger their eyes on us, filled with judgment and hatred. This painting was intended to be an open concept, depending on how the viewer places their own perspective into it. There was never meant to be a specific gender, race, religion, or even distinct facial features. It was meant to be… up to the viewer. Let it be a man with a man, a woman with a woman, a Christian with a Muslim, a Black with a White—this was supposed to be a canvas of the viewer’s mind. The background was originally meant to be black rather than the flaming colors behind it.
But back then, I was concerned that if I portrayed that idea in my painting, people might not understand it—or maybe I was afraid of being judged by my own creation. That is why I somehow ate my own words and ideas and changed the entire painting. A part of me regrets it, but that was the vision of my 17-year-old self. Now I am 21 and moving forward with a new perspective. My job here is simply to finish what the 17-year-old artist in me had intended to lay out.
Maybe at the end of the day, I will be the only one who truly understands this painting. There is so much more to say, but I am here to share the main idea. I just want to give justice to the vision of my 17-year-old self—to finish this piece, move on, and create better paintings with new memories.
- THE GLIMPSE OF US ( 2022 - 2025 )
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