etching and aquatint; paper 11×11″

The work presents a poignant commentary on the significance of education as a transformative force in the lives of children, while underscoring the critical need for safe and nurturing environments for their growth. Central to this composition is the recurring motifs of the lamp and the young girl. The lamp, a metaphor for knowledge and enlightenment, illuminates the pathways of personal development. The girl, embodying innocence and potential, is both subject and symbol, guiding the viewer through a layered narrative of identity, agency, and the complexities of self-discovery.
By continuously revisiting these forms in my practice, I embark on a dual journey—one that mirrors the child’s educational development and simultaneously reflects her own evolving understanding of self. The recurrent dialogue between the motifs deepens with each iteration, offering insights into how education and safe spaces cultivate not just intellectual growth, but emotional resilience and self-realisation.