Suspended Roots

                      Suspended Roots 

This painting is an attempt at a symbolic reflection on the enduring struggle between Nigeria’s political elites and the impoverished masses. At its centre stands a tree — representing the people — suspended precariously above the ground, its roots hanging without anchor. Though some branches carry leaves of hope, others are bare, revealing the harsh reality of life under systemic manipulation.

The green land beneath the tree subtly forms the map of Nigeria, suggesting that the struggle is deeply embedded in the nation’s structure. To the left, blood-red hills marked with crosses evoke the suffering and sacrifices of the oppressed. On the right, dark, ashen terrain reflects the paralysing fear and uncertainty enforced by elite control. Above, a turbulent sky of fiery red and blinding yellow represents the chaos and false promises that loom over the nation.

The painting speaks to the deep disconnection between leadership and the people, and the fragile position of those who remain trapped between poverty, fear, and the illusion of hope.

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