Mwana Kupona drifts beneath the water as a mermaid, at one with the fish around her, with pearls, metallic paint and 24-carat gold leaf catching the light. It's a calm, luminous painting to live with. At 100 x 50 cm, this original mermaid art suits a hallway, chimney alcove or the wall above a chair.
Equivalent to three payments of approximately £483.33.
Illustration only, not a confirmed payment plan. Klarna options are subject to eligibility at checkout.
- Original Mixed media artwork on canvas
- Dimensions 100 cm x 50 cm
- Created on a Stretched Canvas
- Edges are textured with floral patterns, painted and do not need framing
- Signed by the artist
- Certificate of Authenticity Included
- Free UK delivery
The Story behind Mwana Kupona
Mwana Kupona was a Swahili poet born on Pate Island in the nineteenth century. Around 1858 she wrote a long poem of advice for her 14-year-old daughter, Mwana Heshima. Known as the Utendi wa Mwana Kupona, it has survived for well over a century and a half. A mother putting what she has learned into words for her child is something many people understand. Jedidah paints her strong, without pushing anyone else out. Metallic paint, fine glitter spray and genuine 24-carat gold leaf are layered into the surface, so the painting catches the light softly. Imagining this poet as a mermaid is Jedidah's own interpretation, not part of the historical record.
To see more of Jedidah's African queens, visit the Out of Africa collection.
See it before you buy. Book a free private video viewing with Jedidah and see the texture, detail and true scale live from the studio. Email info@onaiiart.com or get in touch here to arrange a time.
A small thank-you: this original arrives with a ceramic coaster from Jedidah's homeware range.
In this short video, Jedidah paints Mwana Kupona, from the first lines in the water to the pearls and gold leaf, and shares the advice she would pass on to her own children. She painted her at one with the fish around her: strong, without pushing anyone else out.
