It was real

Year: 2026

Framed: No

Orientation: Vertical

Size: Small

Medium/Techniques:

• Acrylic
• Collage
• Oil
• Spray paint

Art genres:

• Abstract
• Contemporary

Subjects:

• People

Styles:

• Abstract
• Modern
• Realism

I painted this piece for my friend who lost her baby after 14 weeks of pregnancy. Her experience broke my heart in a way that is hard to put into words. Since then, this painting has found its way to others as a Print — to people who are grieving, hurting, carrying something heavy that isn’t always visible to the outside world. I’ve given it away quietly, as a small gesture, a reminder. I think so many people suffer in silence. Carrying pain that others can’t see. Having to explain or even defend what they are going through. Being expected to “move on”, to function, to not make things uncomfortable. While inside, everything has changed. This painting is for those moments. For those people. For anyone who has gone through something unseen. Who has questioned their own feelings. Who had to keep going while their world stood still. Even if nobody else understands — it was real. Your pain is valid. Your feelings make sense. You are allowed to grieve. You are allowed to rest. You are allowed to fall apart. You don’t have to be strong all the time.