‘Mutesi’ for Urukundo Rutsinda Byose ( means Love Always Wins in Kinyarwanda) : 2018 Entry for Love Always Wins
A global collaborative art project against the hate promoted by Donald Trump.
The Character drawn is a representation of my 5 year old cousin (7 years today) the first time we met. Mutesi was sent by her parents from the Republic of Congo due to (not on your local TV news) ongoing war and atrocities alike there. She endured a lot. Unfortunately, her parents and her brother could not leave due to the fact that the father was affiliated in the army, and it would have been suspicious, and eventually be killed for treason if caught while escaping. To reduce any rise of betrayal suspicions they chose to remain and instead, her mom managed to sneak in the daughter into Rwanda in hope that she would be the one that could make it, then went back to them. She made sure Mutesi would reach safely, and was in good hands - before she left. The journey itself was not easy, but she’s here. We are thankful. In her own words, she’s glad to be in Rwanda. But personally, she represents other children that have to endure atrocities in the world, and not just war but anything produced by the hate created by adults. As fragile as she is, she is an example of the need of protection that all children deserve. Today even if she lives safely with her dad’s family, while her parents and brother remain behind.. As peaceful as her surroundings may be, there’s/and will be a gap that’s caused by the separation.. Hopefully, it won’t last when love all across the world, wins.
At that time, Mutesi wounds were still fresh when she had just arrived. She would fear bombs, and grenades when a door would slam or cars would approach. I saw PTSD in the eyes of a five years old. I would draw this drawing the same way over and over again (which I did, and have receipts for ) - because This is really, truly how I saw her at a first glance - a child full of life, joy and hope. Until I learned her story, and kept seeing how much such reckless tragedies destroy - maybe not the body, but so many things that the eyes and words can’t meet. I sought in how I would be able to help, and this project came as one way to do it.
Mutesi; meaning a mama’s child is a representation of love, grace and hope she carries.
It’s been two years that Mutesi lives with her family, but not with her mom, dad and brother.
Support our project on Kickstarter if you can!
Sending all my love from Rwanda.
- S/o Gabriel Morais for organizing all this. He brought all 180 countries together to create this project ! I have no words but honor and respect for you!!
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