Original artwork description:

"What makes a person unhappy or happy is his thoughts, not external circumstances. By controlling his thoughts, a person controls his happiness Every thought we have has consequences."

This painting is a visual metaphor for the powerful influence of our inner world. The woman’s calm gaze contrasts with the surreal landscape emerging from her hair—buildings, trees, and hanging keys—all representing thoughts, memories, and mental architecture. Each key symbolizes a choice, a locked idea, or a path yet to be unlocked.

Inspired by the concept that happiness and suffering originate in the mind, this work reflects how deeply our thoughts shape the reality we live in. I wanted to depict a kind of quiet strength—the self-awareness that allows one to become the architect of their own inner city. The viewer is invited to reflect: what keys do we hold, and what do they unlock within us?

▪︎ Title: The Inner City
▪︎ !!!Before being shipped to the buyer, the painting will be stretched on a wooden stretcher
▪︎ oil on unstretched premium quality linen canvas
▪︎ size 80 x 60cm ≈ 31 x 24”, depth 2cm ≈ 0,7"
▪︎ covered with a protective varnish to prevent it from dust and sunlight.
▪︎The painting is signed on the back and a certificate of authenticity is attached

woman face, surreal portrait, symbolic painting, dream city, emotional landscape, female strength, thought keys, inner voice, soft surrealism, modern allegory, figurative dream

Materials used:

lenen canvas, oil

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