I painted this piece because, like so many others, I’ve felt the weight of these times—the crushing rise in the cost of living, the constant worry about affording the essentials that once seemed so simple, and the overwhelming sense that things have become harder to manage. Inflation, rising gas prices, the soaring costs of groceries and housing—they aren't just statistics; they are realities that touch every life, every day. I painted this because I wanted to give voice to those silent struggles. This painting is my way of capturing the collective hope, the quiet desperation, and the fierce faith that keeps us going when everything else seems uncertain.I wanted to create something that spoke to the resilience of people facing these hardships. The figures in the painting are not just faces—they represent all of us, the workers, the families, the individuals who keep pushing forward, even when it feels like the world is against them. It’s easy to feel invisible in times like these, as if our daily battles go unnoticed. But I believe that through art, we can be seen. We can come together, even if it’s just for a moment, and remind each other that we’re not alone in this struggle.This painting is also a prayer—a prayer that we can find the strength to keep going, even when it feels like the world is closing in. It’s a prayer for the things that should be our birthright: affordable housing, accessible healthcare, enough to feed our families, to fill our cars, and to keep a roof over our heads. And it’s a prayer that, somehow, we can still have faith in better days. Because even when it feels like there’s no way out, hope and faith are the only things that can fuel change.I painted this because I believe art has the power to spark conversation and inspire action. We can’t keep ignoring the struggles of so many people who feel like they’re fighting to survive, not to live. If my painting can reach just one person and make them feel seen, if it can inspire others to keep pushing forward, then it has done its job. We must keep praying, keep hoping, and keep believing that together, we can create a world where living isn’t a struggle but a possibility.
This is a one-of-the-kind original acrylic paint, gallery wrapped canvas size: 24*36 inches.
Unframed.Signed in the front and back.Wired and Varnished. Ready to hang.
Certificate of Authenticity
Tax(HST) included.
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Painting will be shipping in 1 week.
Please know that color might vary slightly from screen to screen. Lufei Pan retains copyright on all images.