Stretch Beyond the Bricks
This painting tells the story of a young man reaching not just for books, but for the soul of a nation, its culture, history, and values. Draped in the Ethiopian flag, he stands barefoot on rough ground, surrounded by barbed wire and the remnants of destruction. Yet his gaze is upward, his arm extended, holding the key to something greater.
The shelf above holds more than knowledge; it holds our heritage, our stories, and the wisdom of generations. In a world fractured by conflict and forgetfulness, this image reminds us that peace begins with reconnection. Reconnection to who we are, where we come from, and what we choose to carry forward.
Despite the ruins behind him, the figure chooses hope. The key in his hand is symbolic it tells us that the way forward is through remembering, not erasing. Preserving, not discarding. Our most valuable asset is not material wealth, but the values and unity rooted in our shared identity.
This painting is a call to rise not just as individuals, but as a people by unlocking the treasure we've always had: ourselves.