Flood Malawi 5

This painting is a moment in history captured in fluidity. Crafted in handmade soot ink on 100% cotton paper, it belongs to my Flood Series, a visual record of global flooding events since 2023. This collection was born from an experience that forever changed me: witnessing the devastating floods in Malawi, Africa, in March 2023. Knowing people directly affected by the disaster made the event deeply personal and visceral, leaving me feeling that I need to look more deeply at floods all over the globe.

The work delves into the transformative force of water—the way it reshapes landscapes and lives alike. I’m captivated by the moment just after a flood, when silence hangs heavy, and there’s an undeniable sense of awe in the air. This painting reflects on that haunting beauty while encouraging conversation around the subject of climate change, human responsibility and the earth.

The ink I use is an artwork in itself, made from burnt plant oil by master ink artisans in China and Japan. The reference to burning is hopeful for me: the phoenix who burns only to rise from the ashes to be reborn again.The water-based nature of the ink demands complete presence during creation, making every stroke a direct channeling of thought and energy. Each brushstroke is alive with immediacy, ensuring this piece is not just seen but felt.

This is not just a contemporary landscape painting—one could say it is a historical document, a poetic reminder of our time, and a call to reflect upon our responsibility toward our planet. Owning this piece means owning a part of our collective story, told through the multifaceted lens of the artist.