Shielded by Love

In many Rwandan communities, you will often see women walking with their babies tied securely on their backs, holding umbrellas to shield them from the sun. These women are mothers, caretakers, and protectors moving through daily life with quiet strength. Whether they are heading to the hospital for a check-up or walking to the local market, their first instinct is always the same to protect the child behind them.

This series honors that simple but powerful gesture. The umbrella becomes more than shade, it is a symbol of care, responsibility, and the promise of a safe future. Through these paintings, I celebrate the tenderness and courage of Rwandan mothers whose everyday choices carry so much love and meaning.