This painting captures the poignant story of Rui, an aging single mother of three living in Bissau, the capital of Guinea Bissau. Despite her daily struggles, Rui clings to the hope that she can improve her life and prospects by seducing a foreign man. In this portrait, she has adorned herself in her best dress and put on her makeup to go out to a night club called Tabanka, where she searches for her next dream.
This is my attempt to beautifully capture the essence of Rui’s story in this painting, conveying both the strength and vulnerability of this woman. The rich colors and intricate details of the piece draw the viewer into Rui’s world, evoking a sense of empathy and understanding for her struggles.
Through this work of art, I try to remind the world of the harsh realities that many women like Rui face every day, and the lengths they are forced to go to in order to survive. This painting is a powerful tribute to the resilience and strength of women in the face of adversity, and a testament to the transformative power of art in capturing the human experience.
HYPNOTIC REPETITION 