The painting depicts a female figure sitting and being blocked by several hands from speaking or moving. The artist arrived in this country with hopes of finding a better life and a future that seemed like a dream. However, his dreams were soon shattered, making it clear that the initial perception did not match the reality in which he ended up. Now, the artist finds himself caught between a divided land, where navigating the two parts has proven difficult, marked by numerous barriers and repeated rejections. Despite his efforts to become part of the community, access has been challenging, often hindered by his skin color. This experience highlights how voices and visions are frequently stifled and restricted by the limitations imposed by others, as symbolized by the animated hands. How can we address and overcome the barriers that silence and divide, allowing for a more inclusive and equitable society?

About the Artist

Saint (2000) is an artist, painter, caricaturist, and producer from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Starting at age 12, his intense focus on art led him to a Fine Arts school in Kinshasa. After migrating to Cyprus, his work evolved with new inspirations. Saint’s art, which encompasses realism, abstraction, and surrealism, explores themes such as equality, human rights, women’s beauty, and global warming. In Cyprus, despite challenges due to cultural differences, art has been a vital means for him to express his story and connect with others. Influenced by the DRC’s ongoing conflict and his friends, he collaborates on various projects, including paintings and comic strips. Through his art, he aims to inspire others to visualize and express their own worlds, even if they are not artists themselves.

The painting is animated by Eisa Baddour (1991), a multidisciplinary Syrian artist who combines visual design, architecture, and performance art installations to drive social change. He uses digital tools to explore migration, inequality, and environmental sustainability topics, encouraging conversations on social issues and fostering reflection, empathy and action.