Uprooted out of Africa and transplanted into Australian soil. This artwork formed part of a solo exhibition at Parliament House, Macquarie Street, Sydney 2020 - presented online due to Covid.
A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.”
- Marcus Garvey
Coming from Africa my roots are strong and resilient. My tree has been formed both by the harsh sun and the nurturing soil and rain. Even when transplanted in a new land the roots settle into the earth, the sap remains in the branches carrying traces and memories of their origins, and the flowers bloom.
Africa is a passionate and vibrant land, always pulsing with life, music and colour and I bring that same passion to my artworks. The paintings you see today were done with the rhythmical drumbeat music of Africa playing in the background, and this energy and movement has translated onto the canvases. I am transported to my past, whilst being fully conscious of the gratitude I feel towards my new country for providing me with a safe haven and supplying new and different sources of inspiration for my art.
“If you’re brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with another hello.” — Paulo Coehlo
Through these artworks allow me to say “hello” and show you who I am and, in the form of visual art, my contribution to my new home.