Mercy is an abstract portrait inspired by my maternal grandmother, a woman whose life embodied resilience, grace and
unwavering faith. It is the first painting in a four- part series celebrating the women who carried me through the darkest
chapters of my life.
She had no formal education, yet she carried herself with remarkable poise, confidence and quiet elegance. Her beauty was
celebrated throughout her community, earning her recognition in several beauty pageants. But behind that admiration was a
deeply personal struggle. For many years, she was unable to conceive- a hardship that, in her time and community, often
invited ridicule and social isolation.
Rather than surrender to despair, she chose perseverance. With courage and an open mind, she explored every avenue
available to her, embracing both orthodox medicine and traditional herbal remedies. Her determination was eventually
rewarded with the birth of a beautiful daughter- my mother. From that single blessing came four grandchildren, each of us
carrying forward a part of her story.
Her resilience extended beyond motherhood. My mother often recalls how she built her family home alongside the workmen,
carrying blocks and actively participating in its construction. Inscribed on that house, where it remains to this day, are the
words "Yehowa ne me Hwefo"-"The Lord is my Shepherd." It was more than a biblical verse; it was the foundation upon which
she lived her life.
She believed that obstacles were temporary, that faith and determination could overcome impossibility, and that every
person deserved beauty, dignity and the very best life had to offer, regardless of their circumstances.
Every visual element within this painting has been chosen to honour her story. The vibrant colour palette is rooted in the
African context of her life, reflecting the warmth, richness and vitality of the culture that shaped her. The gold accents
throughout the composition represent her love for fine jewellery and beautiful things- a woman who believed elegance was
not defined by wealth, but by how one carried oneself and appreciated beauty.
The bold colours and layered patterns are also a tribute to her love for African print fabrics. She was a talented seamstress,
creating garments that reflected both craftsmanship and pride in her heritage. Through these colours and textures, the
painting celebrates not only who she was, but the creative spirit with which she lived.
The large flower she holds over one eye carries perhaps the most intimate symbolism. It conceals part of her face,
representing the tears, pain and emotional scars she carried throughout her life-burdens that wereoften hidden behind her
grace, beauty and unwavering strength. Like many women of her generation, she endured hardship quietly, choosing dignity
over complaint and hope over despair.
This painting is more than a portrait of one woman. It is a tribute to the generations she made possible and the values she
passed down- whether through inheritance, example or simply the power of her presence. Her legacy continues to thrive in
her grandchildren, who carry her courage, optimism and pursuit of excellence into their own lives.
Mercy celebrates the quiet strength of a matriarch whose greatest masterpiece was not the home she built or the beauty she
possessed, but the enduring legacy of hope, perseverance and possibility that lives on through her family. It is a reminder that
true beauty is not found in a life without struggle, but in the courage
to bloom despite it