What Freedom! (1876-77) Ilya Repin & Perserverence

Personal Reflection

Of all Repin's realist masterpieces, this one has spoken to me like no other. The turbulent waves crashing fruitlessly against the young couple who stand strong against it—no—they smile and laugh despite it. Of course, we must mention the title, and what a powerful one it is! It is not a subtle metaphor, yet such a beautiful one. Sometimes the world does its best to weather you. It feels like day in and day out it will throw something new at you. What more can one do but mock it back? I have lived an extraordinarily privileged life which has left me weak to discomfort and challenge. I have recently begun my law degree and it may be the most difficult few weeks I have ever had. After the first week, the workload, responsibility, and dread of the next three years to come were too much. Without going into undue detail, I understood quite well why Cézanne dropped out. However, what a privilege it is to struggle as so! Law school has led me to fantastic experiences. The people I am surrounded by are intelligent, kind, and passionate. The books have worked my mind like undergraduate never could. It has even brought me to a new city which I hold very dear to my heart. Like the students depicted in the painting, despite my struggle I feel myself thriving! I am learning day in and day out that the struggle is not what's to be avoided but what's to be embraced. We must laugh, come together, and support each other, like the man and the woman, when the waves come crashing down.