Trauma affects us all. We all go through moments when we are vulnerable, experiencing heartbreak, disappointments, and unbelievable experiences that often leave scars—some that may never go away. However, we are responsible for holding ourselves together and moving on, for there is hope.

MAWU ART GALLERY

Trauma

Here’s to the Good times we had,
and the laughs we shared,
Here’s to the life we lived.
and the memories we made,
Here’s to the gloss around your lips,
and warmth around your heart,
Here’s to those we lost.
and the tears that dropped,
For hence,
We raise a Toast to new beginnings
in Fear and Faith.

Raise a Toast II

Time has gone by, but memories we keep.
I might as well live for now, worry less for tomorrow.
Rock the moment, never dwell in the past,
for their validation is not worth it!
Self-confidence is the best outfit,
rock it!
Step into the circle, POP IT!
Don’t be a hard rock when you really are a gem!
POP IT!
You only get one go at it, why worry
when you can POP IT!

Pop it

Cheers!

A taste of wine, a welcome gesture,
one sunny day, in summer vesture,
we sit, and talk of times gone by,
To laugh, to joke, to smile, to sigh,
with a garden full of scented blooms,
and subtle warmth that fills the rooms,
sweet melodies to tune the mind,
Thus leaving all our cares behind

Author: Enestine Northover

Raise a Toast (Cheers)

Beauty is in you,
Only if you can remove false validation,
Happiness is in you,
Only if you can remove negativity and worries,
For “it is better to be hated for what you are,
than loved for what you're not!” (André Gide)

Individuality

The painting, titled "With an Apple," depicts a beautiful woman with a wild cascade of leaves for hair. Her skin is a warm, golden brown, and her eyes sparkle with life. She cradles a ripe, red apple in her hand, symbolizing her connection to nature. The apple also represents knowledge, wisdom, good health, and fertility.

In Honour

"Mother's Love" is a heartwarming and intimate painting that captures the tender moment of a mother braiding her child's hair, a timeless symbol of care and nurture. The mother's gentle hands move with precision and affection. The child's hair, soft and silky, made of leaves, symbolizes the fragile and precious nature of childhood, while the mother's careful touch is a testament to the care and protection she provides. This moment embodies the bond between mother and child, a physical representation of the love and connection that binds them together.

Mother's Love

This abstract artwork was inspired by a quote by Jen Sincero:
 
“Try new things, step out of your comfort zone, take risks, do things in ways you’ve never done them before, ask for help, surround yourself with self-actualized people, become obsessed with the fact that you have one go-round on this planet as the you that is you, and realize how precious and important it is not to squander that.”

Daniel hopes this painting will inspire people to internalize the fact that life is a series of experiences, each one making us bigger, even though sometimes it is hard to realize this.

Release

Water flows from high places to low places. That is the nature of gravity. Emotions also seem to follow this principle. When you are with someone you have a bond with and have entrusted your feelings to, it is hard to lie and get away with it.

This is the inspiration behind Daniel Rukundo’s abstract painting called “Gravity of Emotion.”

Gravity of Emotion

This abstract artwork was inspired by the daily life I chose to live. I have come to realize that life is only important because of the impact it has on other lives.

Daniel hopes this painting will inspire people to understand that there’s no greater gift than knowing you have had a positive impact on the world.

Impacting

With an Apple

“The Gardener” is a serene and vibrant painting that beautifully captures a woman’s gentle care and nurturing spirit as she tends to her plants and flowers. She meticulously prunes, waters, and cultivates her garden, encouraging each bloom to reach its full potential. The painting radiates a sense of tranquility and growth, as the woman’s love and dedication create a lush, thriving oasis.

The Gardener

Beaded Elegance

Spirit to Hustle

"Chilling Out" is a serene and intimate painting that captures the peaceful moment of a woman unwinding after a long day of work. She sits comfortably, surrounded by a warm and cozy atmosphere, letting go of the stresses and tensions of the day. Her relaxed posture and gentle expression convey a sense of calm and contentment as if she has finally found a moment of peace and solitude.

Chilling Out

In Love

Like Mother Like Daughter

Debit Card

Family is a fundamental part of each community, society, and the world at large. A happy home produces good individuals, which in turn births a better society.

Family Portrait

Rizpah

Deep, vibrant shades of blue dominate this mesmerizing abstract painting. Fluid brushstrokes and layered textures create a sense of depth, evoking the vastness of the ocean or the serenity of the sky. Hints of lighter tones and subtle contrasts add movement and emotion, inviting the viewer into a dreamlike, meditative space. The composition exudes tranquility, mystery, and boundless imagination.

Blessings_3

Solitude

As an artist, I identify with both my physical and spiritual nature, and my work reflects that deep understanding. The journey of knowing and respecting my inner self has led me to explore various forms of artistic expression. One significant influence in my creative journey has been pottery, a craft that resonates with me on both a personal and cultural level.

Much like Ladi Kwali, the renowned Nigerian potter who was taught the traditional Gwarin Yamma coiling and pinching method by her aunt, I find inspiration in the beauty and symbolism of pottery. Ladi Kwali’s early mastery of pottery, despite not having formal education, reminds me of the power of self-taught skill and cultural connection. She excelled in crafting water jars, cooking pots, and bowls, and her work was so sought-after that her wares were often sold even before reaching the market. This idea of creating something that speaks to others resonates deeply with me.