From the gate of my home.

This piece marks my first exploration into mixed media — a blend of paint and charcoal. Most of my previous works have been charcoal-only and often centred on the human face. For this piece, I wanted to release that focus and instead capture a passing moment — something felt rather than seen.

Colour has always been part of my creative language; even as a child, I would mix it instinctively with charcoal — especially coloured oil pastels, which I loved. Over time, I paused that instinct to refine my technique and to understand the depth of charcoal alone before returning to colour again, this time with greater intention. Staying true to my essence, I used my fingers to blend the paint, allowing touch to guide the process as it does with charcoal.

The artwork depicts a basketball game on a court just outside the gate of my home in Katembe, Mozambique. Growing up, I watched countless faces come and go from that court, and I played there many times myself. It has always been a landmark — a point of reference to my home, and a quiet witness to years of movement and memory.