Ubuntu, 2024

Description

As I was live-painting a waterfall, a group of young local boys approached, intending to cross to the other side of the river. They seemed to know where the river was shallow, as some parts were deep enough for one to drown. There were five boys; four of them crossed with ease, but one boy was left behind. He seemed a little scared to cross by himself. By that time, the others had already crossed the river, unaware that they had left one of their friends behind. After walking for a while, they noticed that the boy was stuck on the other side. They all halted their journey and decided to go back and help him. One of them, who seemed well aware of the best crossing spot, went back and offered a helping hand.

All this was unfolding in front of me as I was painting, and it made me reflect on the beauty of giving a helping hand and caring for others. It inspired me to incorporate this moment into the painting, as it reminded me of the Ubuntu narrative: ‘I am because we are.’ That’s how those two figures ended up in the art piece.