The Paradox of Life’s Labors and Joys

Ecclesiastes 8:14 states, "There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there be just men, unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked; again, there be wicked men, to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous: I said that this also is vanity." The left side of the artwork reflects this complexity — the woman holding the child represents the "just" who suffer unjustly, while the shadowed, abstract patterns behind her illustrate the confusion and injustice that often pervade life. The roots stretching through the image hint at the deep, unseen reasons for these unfair distributions of fate, suggesting that both good and evil encounter similar misfortunes and rewards, regardless of merit. The swirling textures evoke a sense of frustration and helplessness, mirroring the sense of vanity that comes from trying to comprehend the fairness of the world.  

Ecclesiastes 8:15 shifts the focus toward joy: "Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun." The right side of the artwork reflects this celebration of simple pleasures. The figure walking among fish, bathed in soft golden light, symbolizes a person embracing the momentary joys of life. The underwater environment, with its peaceful currents and luminous fish, embodies a state of contentment and acceptance of life's transience. The fluidity of water and light suggests that, although life’s inequities exist, there is a beauty in surrendering to the present and finding joy in what is immediately before us.  

These verses from Ecclesiastes highlight the dualities of life: injustice and joy, suffering and pleasure. The artwork visually explores these themes by contrasting the somber, reflective left side with the bright, celebratory right side. In a world where people often struggle to make sense of the injustice around them, this passage and the artwork together offer a reminder to find joy in the simple acts of living — to eat, drink, and be merry, despite life’s uncertainties and inequities.  

The woman on the left reminds us that suffering is often inexplicable and seemingly unfair, while the peaceful figure on the right shows us that life’s fleeting nature is also an invitation to embrace moments of mirth and beauty. This artwork encourages viewers to balance their recognition of life’s hardships with a deep appreciation for the simple pleasures that make existence meaningful.