Entry V – 2nd Place Winner
18″ x 24″, Acrylic paint on Gessoboard
Several years ago, my father, sister, and I visited the Maasai tribe in Kenya, Africa. These people lived far from modern society.
I photographed women as they participated in a traditional dance and was struck by the joy I saw as they danced together. It was obvious how little these people had. Despite the scarcity of material goods, their hearts soared as they danced and sang together. In a similar way, I watched children laugh together as they played in a pile of trash. “What brings them such joy?” I asked myself.
This experience inspired me to paint the women and the beauty that I found within their culture. Although they have little compared to the average modern American, it seemed as if they were rich in that they found happiness in their community, unity, and love for one another. Sure enough, surveys on happiness conducted by universities suggest that Africans tend to be happier on average than their American and European counterparts.
In my painting, three women are surrounded by color and rhythm. For the background, I was inspired by Claude Monet’s depictions of nature. I employed a similar impressionistic style with the vinery that subtly climbs up their clothing. Not only does nature recede into the background, but it tethers to them. This portrays the figurative wealth that these people have. I juxtaposed this with a realistic depiction of the women. These people are real, and they are beautiful. Although they encounter hardships, as portrayed in their facial expressions, there is still beauty and fruitfulness throughout their culture. The woman on the right carries a baby on her back signifying the loyalty and love these people have for one another. The woman on the left is enraptured by a butterfly that hovers above her finger. Her soft and curious stare captures the wonder and delight these people encounter as they live in nature. I often assume that material goods will satisfy me, yet these people have truly found more through less.