THIS TOO SHALL PASS. June 01 - July 01, 2023

THIS TOO SHALL PASS. June 01 - July 01, 2023 - West Gallery

WestGallery

THIS TOO SHALL PASS

Words often attributed to the wise man—King Solomon. “This too shall pass”. I have always been drawn to the quiet truth in that phrase. It reminds me that everything we go through, whether it is joy, struggle, clarity, or uncertainty, is only temporary.

In this body of work, I reflect on the passing nature of experiences and emotions. Painting has become a way for me to process moments in life that feel overwhelming. Through these works, I try to create spaces of stillness—moments where one can pause and accept that not everything is meant to be controlled or fully understood.

Some of the works in this exhibition speak about the quiet struggles that we often carry within ourselves. In Silent Battles, I reflect on my personal internal conflicts that maybe some people face every day—those struggles that are rarely seen but deeply felt. The piece acknowledges that many of our hardest battles happen in silence. In Tap on my back, the work is a gentle reminder of the importance of human connection. Sometimes all we need is a small gesture—a tap on the back—to remind us that we are not alone and that someone recognizes our effort to keep moving forward. Meanwhile, Stranger explores the feeling of distance and unfamiliarity. There are moments in life when we feel disconnected, like becoming stranger to someone again—but this time, with memories.

Water and fluid forms in landscapes appear as recurring elements in my paintings, symbolizing clarity, fate, and the natural flow of life. Like water and trees, life continues to move regardless of where we stand. In learning to accept this movement, I find a sense of peace.

"This Too Shall Pass" reassures me and everyone who come across these pieces that no matter how difficult a moment may be, it will pass in God's perfect time.

*Photos by Rogelio Castillo II