The Four Elders is a two-part abstract painting series that pays tribute to the enduring influence of community elders—those whose presence, wisdom, and stories have shaped generations. Inspired by the natural, organic forms of wood, tree branches, and stems, these works embrace the unpredictable beauty of nature as a metaphor for age, resilience, and deep-rooted tradition.
Each painting in the series is created using acrylic on canvas and measures 60 by 48 inches. The choice of a wide horizontal format is intentional—it offers the space and flow needed to express the elongated shapes of branches and wood, allowing the figures to stretch and breathe across the canvas. These organic forms mirror the elders themselves—strong yet weathered, grounded yet full of life and expression.
The elongated figures in the paintings are symbolic representations of the elders I grew up around—figures whose advice, warmth, and presence held the community together. Much like sturdy branches, their words supported and guided us, offering shade, structure, and strength. In these artworks, I draw a parallel between their rooted wisdom and the natural elegance of trees: resilient, expressive, and ever-giving.
Vibrant colours, bold patterns, and African symbols are layered throughout the compositions, adding emotional depth and cultural context. These visual elements are not just decorative—they carry meaning. Each symbol, dot, and motif becomes part of a broader language, one that speaks to heritage, memory, and respect.
The Four Elders series is also deeply personal. It is an attempt to capture fleeting memories and translate them into something lasting and visual. The process felt like a conversation with the past—one where each brushstroke recalled a story, a lesson, or a quiet moment of wisdom shared under the open sky.
This series stands as both a celebration and a reminder: to honour those who came before us, to listen closely to their words, and to carry forward their values with grace and creativity. Like wood that holds history in its rings, these paintings preserve the essence of the elders—offering viewers a glimpse into a world shaped by tradition, care, and ancestral strength.
