Resistance

Reflections from the Deep

When I created these art pieces, I did it out of memory — memories of things I had once lived: Falling into the unknown and Resistance. I never imagined I would experience those feelings so vividly on the day I was going to exhibit them for the first time. It was both a curse and a blessing.

Have you ever felt the power of a 1,300 kJ wave pushing you beneath the water? In those moments, I’ve panicked. I’ve thought, I need to catch a breath soon. I grab my leg to make sure my board is still with me, wondering if another wave will hit once I surface. I think, What am I doing here? How will I get out of this? I’ve lived that physically.

But this time, I lived it mentally — and in my heart. A dark, powerful wave hit me after some personal bad news. It came out of nowhere, truly unexpected.

The same thoughts I have underwater came rushing back: How long will this last? I’m scared. I have to be brave. How will I get out of here? I’m tired; I won’t be able to get out. It’s my fault I’m here. I don’t want to be here. I’m terrified.

All the thoughts of Resistance.

I experienced something I never even thought I would. When I was about to exhibit, I had to be focused on the present, but I really just couldn’t. Yet, my art pieces where standing right infront of me, talking to me, showing me all the stages of life, and reminding me that where I was in that moment, was just momentarily. It reminded me what comes next. 

I re-learned that resistance takes you to the darkest places. It tosses you wherever it wants. It distorts time. Through my own artwork, I re-learned that we will never be exempt from heavy waves — in life, in mind, and in heart.

What I Took Away

1. Resistance is the natural response to shock. It can strike any of us, at any time.

2. External forces are powerful — but even more powerful when they trick the power within us.

3. That inner power is Acceptance.

4. And acceptance means recognising that suffering makes us human — and stronger.

I had to write this down because that is the beauty of art. Today — Friday, 10 October 2025 — this is what this piece means to me. Another day, the reflection will be different.

When we see art on social media, we usually see the artist smiling beside their work — and that’s fine. But we rarely see the darkness the artist must connect with to create. Why would we show that side of art? It doesn’t sell.

Yet, standing there, in front of my own artwork — with nothing else but it to connect with — felt like looking into a magical mirror. A portal. I had to write this down.

Annette Handal

10/10/2025