Underground Angel

2024 | Oil on Canvas, Stretched on a Wood Frame

Captured in the artist’s neighborhood, this contemporary Rwandan painting portrays a man preparing donuts in a humble rural setting, yet his labor goes far beyond pastries.

Rising at 5 a.m. and working until 9 p.m., he makes chapatis and sambusas for housekeepers, laborers, and others, becoming a vital lifeline for the community. This artwork honors everyday heroes whose dedication sustains those around them, showing the profound impact of quiet, persistent care.

See more artwork by Muhirwa Thierry