“Courage may seem to belong only to great deeds, to important and powerful people. In stories, the prince who overcomes every trial—slays the dragon, saves the princess, and the entire world—is called courageous! One might think this is tied to power and strength and can exist only in this way.
For me, it is not.
There is a courage that requires neither glory nor applause. It is discreet and silent, often barely visible. It is found in small daily acts of kindness, love, truth, and honesty—toward oneself and toward others. The courage that says, “I don’t know,” “I lack the strength,” “I give up,” but then immediately regains faith and hope and begins again.
Sometimes courage is getting up in the morning, leaving the house, and smiling at the person you meet on the bus. Or taking some pencils and drawing even if you’re not very skilled, even if you don’t know exactly where you’re going or if you’ll succeed. The courage to show oneself and share one’s vulnerabilities and truths with others.
This courage is complex and benevolent. It doesn’t catch the eye. It demands neither medals nor crowns.
It is the daily risk of not being liked, of not being loved, yet continuing—at the very least—to open your heart and do your best. Again and again.
We will try to make it visible and translate it into images.”
The technique is free; each participant brings whatever materials they wish to use. Visual documents can also be brought as useful sources for work.
Illustration by Joanna Concejo, Le vieux qui lisait des romans d’amour, Éditions Tishina, 2025.