Abandoned

Abandoned tells the story of a couple who have chosen love over societal expectations. As an artist, I’ve often encountered the harsh reality that, in many wealthy African (Rwandan) families, art is not seen as a worthy pursuit especially when it comes to marriage. This painting reflects the struggles faced by a man and woman deeply in love but judged by her family for choosing a life with an artist.

The man, a painter, and the woman, a violinist, sit together in an abandoned house, a metaphor for the isolation they feel from society. She comes from a well-off family, and while her parents wanted her to marry someone more "respectable," she hasn’t stayed by her partner’s side, finding strength in their bond despite the pressures.

This piece is about love, resilience, and choosing passion over prestige. It speaks to the strong woman who, despite societal judgment, decided to embrace their shared life no matter the challenges.

Medium: Oil paints on canvas

Size: 200/160cm