Inter-School Painting Competition Write-Ups – Tanzania on Canvas Braeburn Dar es Salaam International School

Inter-School Painting Competition Write-Ups – Tanzania on Canvas Braeburn Dar es Salaam International School

Eda Jonia Makene, a 16-year-old Year 12 student at Braeburn Dar es Salaam International School, brings a deeply personal vision to her painting, Sunsetz with You. Inspired by a photograph she took while on a boat between Zanzibar Island and mainland Tanzania, the piece reflects a moment of longing—a stunning sunset that felt incomplete without someone to share it with. This emotional connection fuels the central theme of her artwork: the fleeting nature of both sunsets and love, reminding us to cherish every moment.

Through warm hues of oranges, reds, and yellows, Eda evokes emotions of comfort, passion, and security, mirroring the depth of love. The boat, gently swaying on the ocean, becomes a metaphor for love’s journey—sometimes calm, sometimes turbulent, yet always moving forward. The blending of colours represents the merging of souls, symbolizing unity and harmony which Tanzania is known for.

More than just a landscape, Sunsetz with You is a heartfelt expression of longing and connection. The sunset, though signaling an end, also promises a new dawn, reflecting love’s enduring nature. Eda’s painting captures not only the beauty of a moment in but also the profound emotions tied to love, memory, and the ever-changing tides of life in this part of the world; Tanzania.

Andrela Muga, a Year 12 student at Braeburn Dar es Salaam International School, has expressed her artistic passion through a stunning piece inspired by the Serengeti. At just 16 years old, she showcases her love for nature in a thoughtful and visually striking composition.

Her artwork features a giraffe standing gracefully in the savannah, set against the warm hues of a Serengeti sunset. The giraffe, her favorite animal, was chosen for its distinctive spotted patterns, which resemble living art. Through careful attention to detail, she captures its elegance and unique beauty, making it the central focus of her piece.

To enhance the composition, Andrela incorporates hibiscus flowers, selected for their bold, vibrant colours that bring energy and contrast to the scene. Alongside them, she includes calla lilies, admired for their smooth, curving petals and understated elegance. The combination of these floral elements adds depth and harmony, complementing the natural beauty of the savannah.

Through this artwork, Andrela not only demonstrates her technical skill but also conveys her deep appreciation for the wonders of nature. Her thoughtful choices in subject matter and color create a visually captivating and meaningful piece.

Maureen Victor, a Year 10 student at Braeburn Dar es Salaam International School, has created a painting that visually represents Tanzania, drawing inspiration from the colours and symbolism of the national flag. At 14 years old, she expresses her artistic vision by incorporating elements that reflect the country’s identity, culture, and natural beauty.

The upper green section of the painting showcases Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania’s most iconic mountain, alongside a giraffe and an elephant—both symbolising the nation’s rich wildlife. This portion is painted in green monochrome to align with the flag’s colour while enhancing the natural landscape. The black diagonal stripe features silhouettes of Tanzanian civilians, representing the people of the nation. Among them are local women carrying baskets, the Maasai people, a mother, and Islamic women, illustrating Tanzania’s cultural diversity and daily life.

The blue section at the bottom highlights the country’s vast water bodies, depicting both the ocean’s surface and underwater life. Dhow boats sail above, while corals and fish thrive below, emphasizing the sea’s significance to Tanzanian culture. The yellow borders incorporate a vibrant Tanzanian kitenge pattern, symbolizing heritage, culture, and traditional clothing. Through this painting, Maureen celebrates Tanzania’s landscape, people, and traditions, offering a visual journey through the essence of the nation.