For my latest project—a sidewalk mural for Downtown Kitchener’s Palette x Palate event—I wanted to reflect our community’s diversity. During a tough month, my family in Sudan faced a brutal civil war, and I lost three loved ones. Despite this, my daughter Delilah’s energy helped me push forward. I based the mural on the “Jum Jum,” a symbol of my heritage from Mabaan, Sudan. The event brought together inspiring artists, including Julie Restrepo, whose kindness left a lasting impression. Delilah contributed to the mural, creating a proud moment for me as a father. With the help of friends like Zakary Mong'are and Shaquille Depeazer, the mural came to life. This experience showed me that art is about community, not just the finished piece. It’s about connection, support, and creating meaning together. I’m excited to keep inspiring young people and showing how art can bring us all together, no matter the challenges we face.

I still remember the day a girl in my class called me a monkey. Fact is, she didn't know baboons were one of my favorite animals growing up, i had a pet monkey who guided me to school every morning because i gave it food. I was new to Canada, in grade school, around 2002-3, and I was wearing a pink hoodie that my uncle had given me. That's what inspired me to paint this. Wanna know more about the painting?

This piece is about that critical moment before courage takes over—when the weight of silence and the urgency of truth collide. It’s about the fight within, the battle between staying quiet out of fear or choosing to speak. Many of us are there right now and with everything going on in the world, i encourage you to speak. That goes for relationships with lovers, family, work and or society. Speak what you believe to be true. Title - Speak Artist - Giftedfaki Media - Mixed media on canvas Date - 01,25,2025 Dimensions - 11"x14" #speak #facepainting