We live in a society where most of us women have self-love and confidence issues, in terms of body changes and skin color. Social media addiction pushes us to edit ourselves to fit what we consider perfect for fame and attention. Yet, behind the phone screen, we feel insecure, unloved, and less appreciated. It's mostly a struggle for the dark-skinned, who are nudged into bleaching their skin. I am a visual artist who is going through this trauma; I am using my paintings as a means of encouraging independence, strength, self-love, freedom, and liberation for dark-skinned women who feel stepped upon on account of being dark. I like to capture the beauty of mundane objects and people's expressions. I want my works to breathe life into a long-forgotten culture, giving life to society and to myself.

Olivia Mary Nantongo
Lean On Me
Acrylics fabric paper and
Oil pastels on plywood
2021

Olivia Mary Nantongo
Spiritual Realm
Acrylics fabric paper and
Oil pastels on plywood
2021

Olivia Mary Nantongo
Take Me As I Am
Acrylics fabric paper and
oil pastels on plywood
2021