Erik Pevernagie

"Fish for silence." , by Erik Pevernagie, oil on canvas, 80 x 100 cm . .xxg

When the ashes of the wildfire of love have been scattered in the hazy den of oblivion and emotions have gone out of commission, life gets unremittingly tangled up if no inner voices emerge to enlighten the looming shadows of hesitant expectations, if no shimmer sparks the magic appeal of 'Being in the world.'

Life's unpredictability is a canvas on which our expectations and reality paint a unique picture. If good feelings and discomfort clash, expectations are at war. When we expect zest and joy, our good karma may be ousted by distress and frustration if harmful and downbeat waves are emitted. We should step into the future with a sense of realism, without prejudice. What will be, will be. Only the fortune of war will tell since life may be war or peace.

Some have given up the expectation of meeting genuine, ‘heartfelt' people and prefer to retire to a mute world, where fish, at least, give a feeling of recognition. In the wake of the unbearable sterile daily noise, their life has turned into a fluid universe of silence, dream, and stillness, and their compass has become space beyond fear, deception, and betrayal. Fish never disappoints.

Empathy is the bridge that connects us to the realities of others, fostering a sense of connectedness and open-mindedness. It is hard to be aware of each other if we don't live in the same vibe. When our reading differs from our neighbors' reality, our surroundings may take a range of discordant shades, and daily episodes become unrecognizable. But if we endeavor to find out the 'who is who,' the 'what is what,' and the 'where is Waldo,' we might demonstrate our social literacy and connectedness. This connection, this understanding of others' realities, fosters empathy and open-mindedness, enriching our own experience of life.

When we still our minds and stroll through the human landscapes around us, we can see astounding images sneaking from undisclosed places and hear roaring sounds behind unsuspected walls. In these moments, when we take the time to listen to the blistering flurry of silence and look at the inconspicuous specks in our surroundings, our world can turn into an explosion of little wonders. We realize that we finally recognize the things we have overlooked due to our deafness and blindness. This realization is a powerful catalyst for personal growth and discovery, empowering us with a newfound understanding and enlightenment.

Phenomenon: Expectations, karma, fortune, silence, awareness