The Illusion of Time and the Vanity of Life

The artwork draws on the message of Ecclesiastes 6:10: "That which hath been is named already, and it is known that it is man: neither may he contend with him that is mightier than he." The towering palace, suspended in the cosmos, represents the vastness of human achievement and existence, yet despite its grandeur, man is limited. The floating clock symbolizes the concept that time, destiny, and the forces of the universe — represented by the swirling celestial clouds — are far mightier than man. The figures, small in comparison to the palace and the stars, reflect humanity’s inability to control time or fate, highlighting the futility of trying to "contend" with the divine or the forces that shape life.  

In Ecclesiastes 6:11, "Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is man the better?" the grand structures and the vast clock ticking away represent the increasing complexity and vanity of human pursuits. The palace, while magnificent, is a symbol of how human ambition can grow and multiply, yet it ultimately remains a fleeting shadow in the face of time and the universe. The celestial sky above, with its endless expanse, underscores the idea that even the greatest human achievements are vanities that pale in comparison to the infinity of the cosmos. The art reminds us that no matter how much we build, gain, or strive for in life, it amounts to little more than vanity when viewed through the lens of eternity.  

Finally, Ecclesiastes 6:12 asks, "For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?" The figures in the foreground, sitting together and looking up at the vast palace and cosmic clock, represent the fleeting nature of human life — a life "spent as a shadow." The shadows that stretch across the clouds and the translucent glow of the palace hint at the transient nature of human existence, where nothing is certain, and the future remains unknown. The art conveys this sense of existential mystery, as the figures are left contemplating their place in a universe so vast that it cannot be fully understood or controlled.  

These verses from Ecclesiastes encourage deep reflection on the meaning of life, time, and the pursuit of human ambition. The artwork vividly captures the grandeur and futility of human efforts in the face of forces far beyond our control, such as time and destiny. In today’s world, where people are often consumed with striving for success, wealth, and recognition, these verses remind us that such pursuits are fleeting and, in the grand scheme of things, ultimately vain. The visual of the clock and palace towering in the sky encourages viewers to reflect on what truly matters in life — not material achievements, but the relationships, moments of reflection, and deeper spiritual understanding that give life meaning.