Two Roots,One Stranger

This artwork explores the theme,” The Same but Different” through my experience of having both Basotho and Nigerian cultural backgrounds. The figures represent the cultures that are part of my identity, while the empty chair represents my own place within them.

The artwork is composed like a family portrait, but instead of being complete, there is a missing person. The empty seat symbolises how I often feel disconnected from my own cultures, as though I am present within them but unable to fully belong. Ultimately, the artwork is not about rejecting my cultures. Instead, it represents my ongoing struggle to understand them, accept them and find my own place within them. The empty chair represents both my absence and hope that one day I will be able to take my place.