Happiness is a daily choice stands for the duality of life and how we are exposed to it. Despite what goes inside of us, we have to choose happiness, every day. Who you are and who you become is the sub-product of our daily choices. Inside: apparent calm and balance. Male and female energies on right and left sides. The curtains are also balanced, peaceful and the sheer fabric suggests that, despite the open window, there is no winds to disturb the cat’s sleep. On the floor level there is a bit of confusion of all things left unattended. On the left side of the painting a book dictates what we all should obey: the declaration of human rights. Perhaps the happy childhood outside is not by chance, but because of humanitarian and societal rules that should guide life and humanity. Outside: we are all allowed to play, to laugh, to hurt, to dare, to exist. No violence is allowed. Between the two sides, on the window screen lays a plate with a slice of watermelon. We must feed our hopes with justice and equality. But it is also there to remind us all that not everyone is allowed to a sovereign existence. On the other side, the key. The right to return, the right to a home, the right to belong and feel safe.

Luciana Mariano ©

This painting is being exhibited at Maksla XO Gallery in Riga, Latvia, from June 4 till July 11, 2026.