Sam Karuna
A Visionary Comtemporary Artist
Series 3:
Pandemic
(Silent storm)
Tales of pandemic resilience
In the grip of the first pandemic, despair settled like a heavy fog. People searched for answers, grappling with questions of why and who was to blame. Each day brought new suffering, eroding hope's fragile thread. The weight of uncertainty suffocated their spirits, leaving them lost in a world clouded by fear. Yet, amidst the darkness, a flicker of resilience emerged, silently whispering of a strength yet to be revealed.
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1. The Plot
Humanity, driven by insatiable greed and an unquenchable thirst for power, leaves the powerless to suffer in enduring agony as wars persist and Mother Nature is enveloped in the venomous tendrils of this greed. Is this a sinister ploy born of envy and power intoxication, disregarding the impending consequences? Alternatively, some may view it as a solemn reminder from the Almighty that we, fragile beings skillfully crafted by divine hands, can be destroyed. This reminder takes the form of a merciless pandemic, afflicting all indiscriminately. Regardless of interpretation, the pandemic casts a formidable shadow, urging humanity to reconsider its priorities and seek rebirth amidst indescribable sorrow.
Medium: Acrylic /oil
Year: 2020
Size: 30’’ x 26’’
Price: RM 29k
2. Heaven and Earth
Humans are acknowledging the Anthropocene as a new geological era, coined by Sir David Attenborough, where human activity has become the primary force shaping our climate and environment. Unfortunately, driven by greed and the pursuit of development, we have unleashed unprecedented levels of exploitation and destruction upon nature. Wildlife is disappearing, forests are ablaze, our seas are polluted and overfished, and habitats are being decimated. In our relentless quest, we have forgotten our shared responsibility with countless other beings, leading to the divine punishment of the pandemic, forcing humanity to reckon with the devastation we have caused.
Medium: Acrylic /oil
Year: 2020
Size: 20’’ x 18’’
Price: RM 20k
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3. Delirium
In the midst of a swirling vortex of emotions and uncertainty during the pandemic, we were all caught in the same narrative. Regardless of wealth or status, each individual was gripped by a collective wave of sadness and worry. The burden seemed to weigh heaviest on the shoulders of the impoverished, deepening our sorrow. Their hardships and struggles, compounded by the pandemic, echoed tragedy far and wide.
Medium: Acrylic /oil
Year: 2020
Size: 24’’ x 23’’
Price: RM 25
4. Hope in solitary
Amidst despair, a glimmer of hope emerges, defying the darkness that seems to engulf humanity. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, hope ignites within us, providing solace in the midst of the darkest times. With an unwavering will and guided optimism, we yearn for a brighter future, taking small steps forward that resonate with the chorus of hope. Even in the depths of darkness, hope becomes our guiding star, leading us towards a future filled with endless possibilities. Despite the barriers imposed by the pandemic, we stand divided and burdened by our worries, yet united in the shared hope for a better tomorrow.
Medium: Acrylic /oil
Year: 2020
Size: 30’’ x 26’’
Price: RM 29k
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5. In silence
Before the pandemic, the world was a magnificent place, filled with vibrant sounds that echoed in every corner. The lively city streets harmonized with the cheerful birdsong and the joyous conversations of people, creating a soothing melody of joy that embraced us all. We witnessed weddings, celebrations, and gatherings where happiness, love, and laughter were shared generously, uniting us in a harmonious symphony of the soul. But then, everything changed. The pandemic arrived and sucked away the vibrant colors, laughter, and enthusiasm from our once-beautiful world. It left behind a veil of sorrow, replacing the joyful tones with a profound stillness that echoed the collective fear of a looming tragedy.
Medium: Acrylic /oil
Year: 2021
Size: 18’’ x 20’’
Price: RM 19k
Status: SOLD
6.Cruelty to Mankind
The burden of loss and uncertainty rests heavily upon their shoulders, casting a somber veil over humanity shared existence. Families once inseparable find themselves torn apart, unable to seek solace in each other's loving embrace. Lives are upended, dreams put on hold, and livelihoods shattered, leaving futures suspended in a state of perpetual uncertainty. The familiar rhythms of life have given way to a symphony of fear, isolation, and longing. In the midst of this turmoil, humans are consumed by anger and desperation, instinctively seeking someone to blame for this tragic turn of events, desperate to find answers and a sense of control. But as their fingers point in various directions, their collective realisation dawns: this crisis is a reflection of our own actions and choices. They fall to their knees, their voices filled with anguish, questioning the divine: "Why? Why must such cruelty befall mankind?"
Medium: Acrylic /oil
Size: 16’’ x 14’’
Price: RM 8k
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