Flow

Dimensions

61 x 30.5 cm

Ever since the South Sudanese Civil War broke out in December 2013, millions have fled their homes and monetary funds were allocated to the military, hindering the country’s progress. As a result, South Sudan has the poorest education system in the world, with only 16% of women being literate and more than 2,000,000 children out of school.

We chose to take an abstract approach to create our piece, because it gives the viewer freedom to explore the artwork with their own interpretation, contrary to the children’s restricted freedom in accessing education. The three disconnected panels mirror how the conflicts of the civil war have divided South Sudan. Meanwhile, the “flowing” appearance of the colours in the background mimic how the struggles that all South Sudanese people face are rampant, and affects everyone regardless of which side they are on. These background colours are yellow, white and blue—representing the hope, prosperity and culture that have yet to be saved in this country.

The flag of South Sudan inspired the base colours of our piece. Black symbolizes the South Sudanese people, Red represents the struggle the country endured to attain freedom, and Green signifies the natural wealth of the nation. By placing these colours in the background and emphasising what each colour symbolises, we wanted to express how hope, prosperity and culture can still be saved.

As students in Singapore, we wanted to reflect on how fortunate we are to live in a country which prospers and looks after our education. Therefore, making this artwork allowed us to appreciate what we have, while giving us the opportunity to help students in South Sudan who deserve as much as us.