BOY INTO MAN

The boy depicted is part of the Hamar tribe in Ethiopia.  The tribe is known for it’s bull jumping ceremonies, also known as ‘’the making of a man’’. The boy looks at us with vulnerability and courage.

Tessa found inspiration in the fact that there is a great deal of contrast as to how we mature

into adulthood in different cultures, including the norms and values she was instilled with by her family. Whom she holds very dearly. In spite of this, we all have a certain level of courage and sensibility as children.

Tessa's paintings are composed mostly of cardboard, which she picks from the streets. It gives a contrast between poverty and luxury while representing the value of family through more lavish materials and colors.