Vanity Under the Stars

Ecclesiastes 6:3 reflects deeply in this image: "If a man beget an hundred children, and live many years, so that the days of his years be many, and his soul be not filled with good, and also that he have no burial; I say, that an untimely birth is better than he." The luminous city, full of grandeur and light, mirrors the outward appearance of success and longevity, while the empty space surrounding it reveals the hollow interior — a soul not filled with goodness. Despite the majestic height and the many "children" or accomplishments symbolized by the sprawling structures, the heart of the figure (the city) remains empty, reflecting a life without meaning or fulfillment.  

In Ecclesiastes 6:4, "For he cometh in with vanity, and departeth in darkness, and his name shall be covered with darkness," the dark, cosmic sky stretching beyond the city represents the vanity of human existence. The towering structures, though beautiful, are like the fleeting accomplishments of those who come into the world with great potential but leave without leaving a meaningful mark. The stars twinkling far in the distance hint at the timeless nature of the universe, suggesting that human legacy, when born out of vanity, quickly fades into obscurity, covered in "darkness."  

Ecclesiastes 6:5 emphasizes, "Moreover he hath not seen the sun, nor known any thing: this hath more rest than the other." The floating city seems to bask in an artificial glow, detached from the true light of the sun. This symbolizes the life lived in darkness — where true enlightenment or joy is never attained, despite the outward appearance of success. The pale, dreamlike trees and the distant landscape reflect the unknown realms that this person has never truly experienced or understood, leading to a life lived in ignorance, detached from nature and spiritual truth.  

These verses from Ecclesiastes 6:3-5 serve as a poignant reminder that life’s true value lies not in outward achievements, longevity, or wealth but in the quality of one's soul and the fulfillment of a higher purpose. The artwork visually captures the emptiness that can exist behind the facade of success, urging individuals to consider the inner condition of their soul and the meaning of their life beyond material accomplishments.  

In the modern world, where people often strive for success, fame, and wealth, this biblical wisdom reminds us that these pursuits, if driven by vanity and devoid of goodness, lead to a hollow and unfulfilling life. The celestial city, grand as it may be, is ultimately ephemeral if it is not built on a foundation of purpose, kindness, and spiritual fulfillment. The dark cosmos above represents the infinite unknown, and it invites viewers to consider whether they are chasing temporary, external goals or cultivating lasting, internal peace.  

The passage warns against the dangers of living in vanity, emphasizing that it is better never to have lived than to live a long life filled with meaningless pursuits. It calls for introspection and encourages people to seek a life filled with goodness, purpose, and genuine connection. The art serves as a visual metaphor for this lesson, urging viewers to look beyond appearances and find the true light — not the artificial glow of success, but the sun of meaning and enlightenment.