Chasing Illusions

    By uttesh kumar

    Chasing Illusions cover image

    28 May, 2024

    a man in a black jacket looking at his cell phone in a city at night time with neon signs, video art, a stock photo, Art & Language, city background

    Mark, a typical teenager, was engrossed in his phone, scrolling through social media feeds, entranced by the lavish lifestyles portrayed.

    a man in a leather jacket looking at his cell phone in a crowded city street at night time with neon signs, retrofuturism, a stock photo, David Park, promotional image

    He had his eyes set on a new luxury phone, a symbol of prestige among his peers. He yearned to fit in, to feel accepted.

    a woman in a suit standing in front of a car showroom with other cars in the background and people walking around, private press, a stock photo, Christian Hilfgott Brand, promotional image

    Meanwhile, Samantha, a young employee, was eyeing a luxury car, a status symbol for the successful. She believed it would make her stand out at work.

    a woman in a suit standing in an office cubicle with people in the background and a desk with computers, american barbizon school, a stock photo, Christian Hilfgott Brand, promotional image

    She was ready to live on monthly installments, putting her financial stability at stake for the sake of societal approval.

    a man sitting in a chair in a room with a potted plant on the table and a painting on the wall, arts and crafts movement, a photorealistic painting, Carel Willink, extremely detailed oil painting

    Mr. Roberts, a retiree, watched his grandchildren's generation chasing material possessions. He found it baffling, yet intriguing.

    a man sitting in a chair in a garden with flowers and potted plants in the background and a house in the background, arts and crafts movement, a character portrait, Doug Ohlson, promotional image

    He remembered his younger days, when happiness meant a good book, a hearty laugh, a simple life. He wished they could see the real wealth of life.

    a group of people posing for a picture in a room with a chandelier and a chandelier, arts and crafts movement, a poster, Brothers Hildebrandt, promotional image

    At a family gathering, Mr. Roberts shared his thoughts with Mark and Samantha. He spoke of simpler times, of contentment, of the beauty in the ordinary.

    a group of people are gathered together in a room with a large group of people on the wall and a man taking a picture, arts and crafts movement, a stock photo, Annie Leibovitz, promotional image

    He reminded them of the transience of material possessions, the illusion of fulfillment they offered.

    a man standing under a street light next to a tree and a lamp post with a light on it, art nouveau, a character portrait, Alexander Kucharsky, exquisite lighting

    That night, Mark pondered Mr. Roberts' words. He realized his desire for acceptance had turned into an unhealthy obsession with material possessions.

    a painting of a woman in a white dress by a lake at night with a full moon in the sky, fantasy art, an oil painting, Dave Melvin, highly detailed digital painting

    Samantha, too, was moved. She understood that her quest for success was blinding her to the risks she was taking.

    a man in a suit holding money in front of a painting of a sunset and a forest with trees, serial art, a character portrait, David Park, phuoc quan

    Mark decided to save his earnings for his education instead of spending it on a luxury phone. He chose his future over fleeting acceptance.

    a woman standing in a field with a sunset behind her and a tree in the background with a field in the background, naturalism, a portrait, Alex Grey, promotional image

    Samantha chose financial stability over societal approval. She decided to enjoy her hard-earned money without burdening herself with unnecessary debt.

    You Might Also Like