"Courage" is an evocative work where the canvas becomes a visceral arena where the spirit of the individual meets the overwhelming scale of the unknown. The composition is defined by a striking tension—a vast, blood-red sky that feels both atmospheric and heavy, saturating the senses with its intensity. Central to this crimson expanse is a seagull. It does not merely fly; it scores through the atmosphere, a singular stroke of light against a world of fire. There is no land in sight, no sanctuary offered by the frame, and no visible destination. The seagull heads directly toward the sea, moving away from the safety of the known and into a landscape of pure uncertainty.
The painting serves as a profound meditation on the nature of resolve. By removing all geographical landmarks, Michael strips away the safety nets of logic. The seagull’s journey is not one of migration or convenience, but an act of pure will. The sharp contrast between the fragile white form and the oppressive red sky illustrates the classic struggle between the vulnerable self and a formidable environment.
"Courage" challenges the viewer to consider their own "flight." It suggests that true courage is not found in reaching a destination, but in the decision to press forward when the shore has vanished. Through this minimalist yet powerful imagery, Michael captures the essence of the human spirit—the audacity to soar into the infinite, simply because therein the flight itself is the meaning.
