HOPE (2023)

The painting depicts a male figure restrained by various bands across his entire body, preventing him from seeing, speaking, hearing, or moving. We live in a world still plagued by discrimination and racism, where discussing rights can be challenging. Through this artwork, the artist seeks to reveal how often we are constrained and mistreated, even when we may not recognize these impositions. This happens because we lack either the freedom or the courage to express and defend our rights. The animated bands emphasize that, although we have the ability to overcome such impositions, it remains our choice to actively engage and make a difference in society. Having a voice also means having both hope and the responsibility to positively impact the world we live in.

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.