Beyond What You See

Artwork story

“Beyond What You See” explores the unspoken emotions in a young boy’s eyes, revealing quiet struggles and hidden pain beneath his calm demeanor. Amid the stillness, however, there is hope. The colorful background symbolizes a brighter future, while his patterned cap signifies his talent and inner strength. Created with pastel colors and soft charcoal pencil (6B), this piece serves as a reminder that every face carries a deeper story of resilience, dreams, and the belief that light is always present, even through life's challenges.

This piece was inspired by my personal journey as an artist, a reflection of feeling unseen despite carrying a gift that’s yet to be fully recognized. I was motivated by my own emotions during moments of self-doubt and quiet perseverance, where I often wondered when the world would finally notice my talent. Through the boy’s gaze, I expressed that longing for acknowledgment and the struggles that come with chasing one’s dreams. Yet, the bright colors in the background represent hope, the belief that, in time, light will shine through, and the world will finally see the beauty and strength that have always been within.