Àárọ́ la'wà (the morning time)

Artwork story

Àárọ́ la'wà (the morning time) Early in the morning, my mother would always wake up as early as dawn and find her way out. One day, I asked her why she left us at that time to reach outside before the sun shone, and she said "ÀÁRỌ́ LA'WÀ", meaning we are in the morning. Her work during that period is to go sort out fresh fruit she wants to sell later in the day and if she waits an extra time on her bed, other market women won't let her get a grip of what to sell, and that means, I am going to starve, which will break her heart. Àárọ́ la'wà is my mother's sacrificial act towards my betterment

1. Theme: Motherhood, sacrifice, resilience, hard work, and a mother's determination to secure a better future for her children.

2. Process: Inspired by my mother's early-morning journeys to the market to secure fresh fruits for her business, despite the challenges and sacrifices involved in providing for her family.

3. Emotion: Love, gratitude, admiration, nostalgia, and deep appreciation for the sacrifices mothers make, often without recognition.

4. Reference: My mother's words, “Àárọ́ la’wà” (We are in the morning), taught me the importance of starting early and making the most of every opportunity. Her daily sacrifices laid the foundation for the life I enjoy today. This painting honours her and every mother who works tirelessly to hold her family together and give her children a better life.