Oldest Son

 The metaphor "the weight of the world on my shoulders " resonated deeply with my own lived experience and serves as a lens through which I explore themes of responsibility, protection, and sacrifices. In one of the paintings I portray three children seated on a checkered floor, a blanket laid beneath them, fragile comfort amid a backdrop of imbalance, the oldest child sits in between fully engaged in the moment, quietly embodying a deeper role, as the oldest sibling , I often bore the unspoken responsibility of caregiver while our mother ventured out to find food.that role, assumed by necessity , shaped my understanding of duty and love from a young age. The checkered floor once again symbolizes instability a life of alternating moments of light and dark, childhood and forced maturity. The blank became a bubble symbol of shared vulnerability ,a common thread of warmth in an otherwise uncertain environment. In cultural context like mine where older siblings are often thrust into parenting roles, this weight is both honored and heavy. It brings pride, yes but also pressure. This work is tribute to first born, to those who grow up too quickly, and to silence endurance many carry without acknowledgement.