Embracing Solitude

When people start an exhibition or try something new, others initially gather around out of interest.

“I wonder what kind of work it is.”
“I wonder what will happen next.”

People are naturally drawn to new things.

However, that interest does not last forever.

Eventually, people return to their daily lives and move on to new topics.

The reactions decrease.
The people decrease.
A quiet time arrives.

I used to think that silence was an “end.”

But now, it is different.

I believe that silence is the true beginning.

Can you keep walking even after the applause has died down?

Even on days when no one expects anything from you, does your heart still try to create?

Even without evaluation or praise, can you keep listening to the spark that wells up from within you?

The real thing is created in the time when no one is watching.

You create not to show others, but because your soul demands it.

In those moments, you cannot tell a lie.

That is why I do not fear the fading of people's interest.

Rather, I believe there is a place that can only be reached beyond that point.

What remains after people leave?

It is not followers, applause, or numbers.

What remains in the end is only the expression you have built up yourself.

And eventually, that expression will quietly reach the heart of someone who is looking for the "real thing" rather than a trend.

Therefore, the real challenge does not begin the moment you start.

The true test begins only after people start to lose interest.