Acrylic on canvas, 80 x 60 cm
Forgive Us Our Trespasses is a cry from our elders. In this painting, they stand together with open hands in prayer. They are asking Mother Earth to have mercy on us - a generation that continues to harm the very ground that gives us life. The title comes from a familiar prayer, but here the trespass is against nature, against each other, and against our own souls. We have taken more than we have given. We have ignored the warnings. We have allowed greed, poor leadership, and comfort to guide our choices. And now we are living in the consequences: climate disasters, division, and a deep spiritual emptiness. Nature will recover in time. The question is whether we will. The elders’ bodies are rendered in cool blues and violets, bruised with light and shadow, reflecting both resilience and exhaustion. Their bodies carry both strength and weariness. They have seen cycles before. They know the cost of forgetting who we are. Their hands are lifted in pleading, but also in offering, as if to say, “We must do better.” Wrapped in patterned cloth that speaks of heritage and continuity, they stand as custodians of wisdom pleading with Mother Earth for mercy upon her children. At its heart, this work asks a simple question: Is seeking mercy enough?
Prayer alone cannot heal the land. Change requires responsibility, humility, and action. Still, there is hope in the asking. There is power in recognizing our wrongs. The elders stand in that space – between sorrow and hope - reminding us that it is not too late to return, to repair, and to begin again.
Deborah Tumaini (b. 2001) is a Kenyan visual artist whose practice is defined by a vibrant and expressive exploration of colour and form. Her work is characterized by bold compositions and a joyful visual energy that reflects her intuitive and emotive approach to art-making.
Through her practice, Tumaini channels her personal voice, creating works that are both visually striking and emotionally resonant. Drawing inspiration from the natural world, she is particularly fascinated by the intricate details and organic rhythms found in flora and fauna. These elements serve as a foundation for her exploration of beauty, movement, and harmony within her compositions.
Tumaini’s artistic journey is a celebration of life and sensory experience. Her work invites viewers into immersive visual spaces that communicate joy, vitality, and a deep appreciation for the natural environment, offering a lens through which the world can be experienced with renewed curiosity and warmth.