Mother of exiles

This painting was inspired by the 'Mother Armenia' statue in Yerevan, Armenia. 

The statue depicting a full length woman holding a sheathed sword honors the Armenian Genocide and symbolizes 'Peace through Strength' and 'the power and majesty of the motherland, the unbreakable will and collective character of the Armenian woman.'

I wanted to honor not only the struggle that my Ancestors went through, being violently forced from their homeland, but also all immigrants that have had to flee their country in fear for their lives. 

'Mother of Exiles' has been created to watch over, honor, and give strength to any displaced person in need.