In January 2023, I spent most of my time in Kinshasa, the heart of my native Democratic Republic of Congo. With 17.7 million people, the city is a whirlwind of hustle and energy, where tranquility seems almost impossible to find. Yet, just a short motorcycle ride away is the contrast of the peaceful riverside.

That’s where this piece was captured. Pastels felt like the perfect medium to capture the earthy tones and the calmness of the landscape.