INSPIRATION

The outbreak of COVID-19 caused a global pandemic that shook the very foundation of human life, leaving our future hanging in the balance. Human activities came to a near standstill as the world went into lockdown, forcing us to question what lies ahead and what more we should prepare for.

This painting portrays an expectant mother holding a face mask—an emblem of protection. The mask, covering the nostrils that bring breath to the soul and the mouth that nourishes the body, symbolizes the fragile balance between life and survival. The woman shields one of her breasts with her hand, emphasizing the importance of nurturing and sustaining her unborn child, while her other hand gently rests over her stomach, sending a silent, heartfelt message to her baby: Don’t worry, there is hope.

The woman represents the present, while the unborn child embodies the future. The future depends on the choices we make today—it is shaped by our actions, our resilience, and our care. The brown-skinned woman, with her intricately plaited African hairstyle and green flowing earring, highlights the beauty and richness of African culture.

In the background, icons of the COVID-19 virus surround her, set against a dark backdrop that symbolizes how deeply the virus has permeated our world. Yet through this imagery, a call to action is made: we must do everything in our power to ensure that the next generation inherits a cleaner, safer world.