Bloom Where You are Planted by Hari Lualhati

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Hari Lualhati

Bloom Where You are Planted

2015

121.92 x 88.9 cm | 47 3/4 x 35 in

Oil on canvas

  • ARC Staff Awards ($100 Cash Award)

When I decided to move to South Africa from Hong Kong to be with my spouse, I've faced a lot of challenges. Aside from the cultural differences I was frustrated as I struggled to find a permanent job due to our constant relocating because of my spouse's contractual work. So I decided to follow my passion on becoming a full time painter. This way I could just work from home. By the time I started to look for galleries, most of them only accept local South African artists or landscape paintings. I was already doing figurative paintings by this time. Instead of loosing hope, I just focused on keeping my body of work stronger. Soon, a gallery approached me as he saw my paintings on Social Media and invited me to be part of their exhibition. This was followed by exhibitions in different parts of South Africa and Europe. This painting reflects that chapter of my life. I've used symbolism such as the blossoming of the Protea flower (the national flower of South Africa) that represents my growing love towards the country. The fish swimming on the grass symbolize the state of me being out of my comfort zone. I've learned from that part of my life that sometimes, instead of being desperate on fighting uncontrollable situations, it's better to go with the flow. Embrace and always make the best of whatever life throws at you, in that way, you will blossom and will emerge as a better person.