By Victor Djobli

2023

Size: 55 x 35

Housemaid" presents a compelling visual narrative that focuses on the often-overlooked labor of women in their daily lives. The painting portrays a group of women engaged in the essential yet underappreciated task of collecting water early in the morning. These women, depicted with elongated necks and without distinct facial features like mouths, eyes, or noses, symbolize the anonymity and uniformity often ascribed to their roles in society.

The women are shown carrying various vessels on their heads, poised gracefully despite the weight, indicative of their strength and resilience. The absence of facial features may suggest the depersonalization of their individual identities, highlighting the collective experience and the societal tendency to overlook individual contributions in such roles. Some of the women also carry infants on their backs, illustrating the dual responsibilities of domestic and maternal duties.

The artist uses vibrant colors and bold strokes to depict the figures, emphasizing the energy and motion of the women as they move between the marigot (a local term for a stream or pond) and their village. The background, rendered in a luminous yellow, not only illuminates the scene but also conveys the early morning time frame of the activities.

"Housemaid" is not just an artistic representation but also a social commentary, shedding light on the crucial roles women play in the sustenance of their households and communities. The painting invites viewers to reflect on the value and recognition of women's work, especially those tasks performed in the "shadows" of daily life.