Life, Art, and Imperfection

Melancolie, 2012 by Albert György (Swedish artist)

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     We often catch ourselves thinking, “If only things were more perfect.” Perhaps that means no flaws, no hiccups—a world where everything lines up neatly. But does true perfection even exist?

Claude Monet, Water Lilies. 1914-26. Oil on canvas

More about Claude Monet

      I recently revisited an art museum and found myself gazing at Impressionist paintings again. Up close, the brushstrokes seem messy, the outlines blurry. Yet a few steps back, and it all came together—the light and atmosphere of that very moment felt almost overwhelming. Instead of striving for precise realism, these artists embraced something less ‘complete,’ yet strangely more impactful.

Jackson Pollock, One: Number 31, 1950. 1950

Oil and enamel paint on canvas, 8'10" x 17' 5 5/8" (269.5 x 530.8cm)

Sidney and Harriet Janis Collection Fund (by exchange).

c. 2025 Pollock-Krasner Foundation/Artists Rights Society (ARS) New York

More about Jackson Pollock

This reminded me of Jackson Pollock, a central figure in abstract expressionism. The first time I saw his work, I couldn’t help thinking, “Is this art? He just splattered paint everywhere.” But one day, I tried looking at it without expecting a ‘perfect composition.’ Suddenly, each splash and drip felt alive, an expression of impromptu energy. It made me realize that appreciating Pollock didn’t require tidy forms. In fact, imperfection seemed to be the whole point of his art.

     A similar logic appears in VFX (Visual Effects) for films. Modern technology can recreate almost anything with staggering accuracy—yet we often sense something off, a subtle “this looks fake.” Why? Because real life is already filled with tiny flaws: dust floating, flickers of light, slight camera shakes. A perfectly polished CGI scene, free of defects, actually feels less natural. That’s why VFX artists deliberately add imperfections—to trigger the audience’s “this is real” response.

     From Impressionism to Pollock to VFX, there’s a common thread: When we allow a bit of imperfection, things become more vivid and authentic. So how about our own lives? If we cling too hard to perfection, even minor mistakes can feel catastrophic, stopping us from enjoying—or even starting—anything new.

My current favorite Converse. I never wore Converse growing up. Then a few years ago, I was gifted the black pair, slightly oversized. That small difference changed everything.

     Meanwhile, I’ve also started thinking that life is a lot like a pair of shoes. If they fit too snugly, you can’t go very far before your feet start aching, and you end up wanting to kick them off. But with a little extra room, you’re free to walk comfortably for much longer. It’s the same with perfectionism: the tighter we cling to it, the more it pinches us.

     Remember how, as kids, we’d get lost in something “just because we liked it”? We didn’t obsess over doing it ‘right’—we simply drew, wrote, or played with total freedom. Maybe we could all use a dash of that childlike spontaneity again. Sometimes, just scribbling or jotting down our uncensored thoughts can melt away tension. Strangely enough, letting go of stiff rules might spark a deeper energy or curiosity within us.

     Of course, many of us still believe in aiming high and pushing ourselves, and there’s value in that. But from what I’ve seen in both art and daily life, some of the most inspiring outcomes appear when we loosen our grip on flawless execution. Perfection may be more of a daydream than a reality, whereas embracing imperfection often paves the way to new ideas or genuine contentment.

In short:

“Perfection might be an illusion, and once we accept imperfection, we often find a more sustainable, more fulfilling way of living.”

     If you’re feeling incomplete or weighed down by the need to “get it all right,” consider letting your creativity run wild—like a kid doodling just for the fun of it, or jotting down your thoughts in raw form. The moment you free yourself from strict expectations, you might discover a surprising surge of ease and inspiration.

     People say, “Artists spend a lifetime trying to paint like children again.” Maybe that idea holds true here. Letting go of rigid boundaries can reignite our sense of wonder, making life more colorful than any ideal notion of “perfection” ever could.

     So, that’s how I see it. Wishing you a wonderful day, no need to be perfect to enjoy it.

💃