Reflection

Reflection

This is a piece that means a lot to me. It depicts a Sudanese woman at night in the desert, carrying a bucket of water on her head. This reminds me of the stories I heard when I was growing up, how women in my family, particularly my grandmothers, would walk miles for clean water. I drew the moon into the shape of a traditional Sudanese earring, qamar boba, so that it would appear as though the sky was watching over her, as though her ancestors were still with her. The desert may seem bare to others, but to me, it's so rich in history and tradition. The harsh earth in Sudan has molded my family's strength and resilience. Nature isn't a backdrop, it's part of our story. It gives, but it also challenges. And I think that's where we're strong. I've learned that most Indigenous communities, in Sudan and worldwide, have always lived with the land, not just on it. They protect and respect it. That's what I feel like we've lost in so many areas, and what I was trying to illustrate in this work — that nature and recollection are intertwined. Being outdoors, even simply gazing up at the stars or going for a walk, makes me feel more grounded. It clears my head. That is why I painted a starry night sky — because nature has always been a place of peace for me. My message is that looking to nature can remind us who we are — and who we've always been.