Stronger Together

Stronger Together is a piece that signifies the beauty of the unity between man and woman who are able to be vulnerable with, and a source of strength to, one another.

The woman is curled up with her head gently resting on her arms whilst being held in the arms of her lover. As he creates a safe space for her to be completely vulnerable and therefore, her source of strength, she is depicted as being his rock. By the man is resting his head on her shoulder, this symbolises his ability to see refuge and lean on her when in need of love, comfort and reassurance, even whilst protecting her. This is taken further by the creative illusion that she is sitting within the painting whilst he appears to be coming out of it. Notably, his arm and leg are positioned over the cracked, off-white boarder, sending a powerful message…

The cracked border signifies the various levels that we may experience feeling weak and broken; individually and on a communal level. When faced with hardship in both the present and the past, we can often feel fragmented within ourselves and as a community. As a result, relationships can be tested as we try to love ourselves and one another whilst navigating through our troubles.

However, the warm tones in this piece softens the hard truth it conveys. From the complexion of the melanin-rich skin to the warm yellow background that places a focus on the couple, this piece evokes a calm and cosy feeling that one experiences when in the presence of their lover. Hence, this piece signifies the beauty of the unity between man and woman who are able to be vulnerable with, and a source of strength to, one another.

The original canvas piece is acrylic paint on stretched canvas sized 80 x 60cm.