Authentic Me
Medium
PaintingMaterial
Mixed MediaDescription
In Authentic Me, Maitanyasha Thadi, a young student artist, combines oil pastels, acrylics, artificial flowers, and string to create a powerful mixed-media statement. The portrait depicts a reflective figure holding a vibrantly painted African mask against their chest, symbolizing the search for truth and cultural identity. The mask, glowing with bold colors, contrasts with the simplicity of the white hoodie, bridging the modern self with ancestral heritage. The flowers and strings weave around the composition, suggesting growth, connection, and the delicate balance between tradition and individuality. This artwork is both deeply personal and universal—an exploration of embracing one’s roots while carving out an authentic path in today’s world.Try it!