Strength and Resilience

The story behind this work

This portrait was inspired by a reference photo that one of my students showed me. Her piercing gaze, as if she is glancing back over her shoulder for a moment, touched me and inspired me to paint her. To me, she symbolises the strength and resilience of women around the world. The headscarf refers to the oppression that many women still face today. The soft colours represent feminine beauty, gentleness and care. In her gaze, strength and vulnerability come together. A woman who is not only looked at, but who looks back herself, with quiet determination.