I had not disclosed this before, but the \u201cParallel Worlds\u201d series was created after the death of a friend, and I have now clarified this and changed the concept statement.<\/p>\n
\u201cParallel World\u201d Series<\/a> \u2013 Concept Statement (Updated)<\/p>\n “We generate our own environment. We get exactly what we deserve.”<\/em><\/p>\n \u2013\u3000Richard Bach, \u201cONE\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Is this a world we really desire? This series was born from a quiet moment of loss. In these works, I imagine a parallel world\u2014not as an escape, but as a gentle possibility. Another version of life. A world where mismatched elements coexist, and strange colors find unexpected harmony when viewed from afar.<\/p>\n The everyday world around us may seem chaotic, but it holds a mysterious balance\u2014just like memory, just like grief. The quote at the beginning continues as follows:<\/p>\n “We generate our own environment. We get exactly what we deserve. How can we resent a life we created by ourselves? Who’s to blame? Who’s to credit but us? Who can change it anytime we wish? But us?”<\/em> Richard Bach is an American author known for works like Jonathan Livingston Seagull<\/em>, ONE<\/em>, and Illusions<\/em>. Spiritual philosophies often emphasize ideas like \u201cThoughts become reality\u201d or \u201cThe Law of Attraction.\u201d Bach\u2019s works are beautiful fictions about \u201csoul growth\u201d and \u201cinner journeys.\u201d They offer comfort\u2014but in the face of real death, loss, and irreversible grief, they can feel weightless.<\/p>\n The Law of Attraction suggests that wishing can make things happen\u2014and this mindset might seem empowering. I created the Parallel World<\/em> series seven years ago. At the time, I couldn\u2019t articulate my thoughts clearly, and I was hesitant to explain that the works were born from someone\u2019s death\u2014it felt too painful and too personal.<\/p>\n Now, however, I\u2019ve chosen to revise the concept and explore my long-standing discomfort with spiritual thinking more deeply.<\/p>\n As a child, I loved astronomy books. Yet I\u2019ve long been uneasy around people who blindly follow spiritual trends or conspiracy theories. I once asked ChatGPT, and the response was:<\/p>\n \u201cThis discomfort may arise from your deep value for intellectual integrity. That resonated with me. I value independent thinking and personal responsibility. True spirituality involves ethics, history, and community. Examples of genuine spiritual traditions:<\/p>\n These traditions come with cultural weight, responsibility, and depth\u2014not just \u201cbelieve what you like!\u201d<\/p>\n In contrast, modern spirituality often simplifies things into \u201cpositive vibes only.\u201d Modern spiritualism often treats spirituality as:<\/p>\n But real spirituality begins with profound questions arising from hardship:<\/p>\n This leads to reflection, sorrow, and silence. Pain reminds us we are not in control. And humility? It\u2019s not thinking \u201cI\u2019m right\u201d or \u201cI\u2019m special.\u201d
\nIs there any ideal world somewhere else?
\nWhat do we do there?
\nWhat kind of scenery can we see there?<\/p>\n
After losing someone important, I found myself often thinking:
\u201cIs this really the world we deserve?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n
Through these artworks, I want to share the moment when the world, even in its disorder, begins to feel a little wider. A little softer.<\/p>\n
\n
\n\u2013 Richard Bach, \u201cONE\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\nWhile I\u2019ve always appreciated the hopeful tone of his writing, after my friend\u2019s passing, I began to question his words.<\/p>\n
\nBut my friend battled a chronic illness from a young age and passed away after a long fight. I don\u2019t believe this was a future he consciously attracted or deserved.<\/p>\n
\nBut in reality, life is filled with sudden absences, illnesses, and uncontrollable events.
\nAnd such philosophies risk placing blame on the suffering\u2014implying that victims are responsible for their own pain.<\/p>\n
\nWhy Do I Feel Uncomfortable with \u201cSpiritual\u201d Thinking?<\/h3>\n
\nIn university, I studied fashion design and once created a project themed around Native American spirituality.
\nI\u2019ve always been fascinated by cosmic truths and spiritual philosophies.<\/p>\n
\nWhile it might seem harmless, I wanted to understand where this discomfort comes from.<\/p>\n
\nYou think independently and face the world sincerely through your words and work.
\nFrom that standpoint, spiritual blind faith or conspiracy thinking may seem careless\u2014and an affront to the principles you’ve lived by.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\nSo, attitudes that rely on vague belief or blame feel dishonest or even disrespectful.<\/p>\n
\nThe Difference Between Spirituality and \u201cSpiritualism\u201d<\/h3>\n
\nIt\u2019s different from modern pop spirituality, which often cherry-picks only the \u201cnice parts\u201d like healing or wish fulfillment.<\/p>\n\n
\nIt avoids the deeper, more painful aspects of the spiritual journey.<\/p>\n
\nSpirituality Is Not Just \u201cHealing\u201d<\/h3>\n
\n
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\nSpirituality isn’t about feeling good\u2014it\u2019s about asking: \u201cWhy am I here?\u201d and learning to accept what we cannot control.<\/p>\n
\nTrue Spirituality Includes Pain and Humility<\/h3>\n
\nIt opens us to others, nature, and the unknown.
\nThat surrender is spiritual.<\/p>\n
\nIt\u2019s knowing your limits, resisting control over others, and embracing complexity.<\/p>\n