Mo Wa Laaye is an artwork that captures the resilience and triumph of the human spirit against the backdrop of adversity. The title, which means “I’m Alive” in Yoruba, reflects not just survival, but the affirmation of existence despite the challenges faced. The three paintings within this series represent myself and my two younger brothers, embodying our collective journey and individual struggles.
These artworks serve as a tribute to our shared experiences growing up as the only Black family in the small town of Linköping, Sweden, during the late 80s to the late 90s. In a place where we were often met with racial prejudice, isolation, and personal challenges, each piece symbolizes our endurance through the storm of pain and oppression. The emotional depth of these works speaks to the harsh realities we faced as children and the strength we drew from each other to persevere.
Each painting in the series is a portrait of one of us, infused with the raw emotions of our childhood memories. The work convey the tension and resilience that defined our early years, while the colours reflect the spectrum of emotions we navigated—from anger and sorrow to hope and determination. It’s a symbol of our African heritage, grounding us in our roots even as we struggled to find our place in a foreign land.
The title, Mo Wa Laaye, is not just a declaration of survival, but a celebration of our growth and transformation. Despite the odds, we have emerged from our past as strong, dignified individuals—”Kings” in our own right. The regal qualities depicted in the paintings underscore the inner strength and dignity that we cultivated through our experiences, allowing us to rise above the hardships we endured.
Through this series, I aim to not only honor our journey but also to inspire others who may face similar struggles. Mo Wa Laaye is a testament to the power of resilience, identity, and the unbreakable bonds of family. It stands as a visual narrative of overcoming, where the pain of the past has been transformed into a celebration of life, identity, and the unyielding spirit of those who refuse to be defined by their circumstances.
