See Me Now (Tandiwoneni) by Angel Sadik

See Me Now (Tandiwoneni) showcases two contrasting personas that encapsulate my life in Australia – a proud Malawian and an outsider looking to fit in. The larger figure represents my inner self, my familiar ties, my Africanness, my native identity. 

This is depicted through vibrant colours in my hair and skin, which mirror the Malawi flag, which is etched onto my face. Black portrays the African continent which Malawi lays on. Red, the blood of ancestors who fought for freedom from their colonial repressors. Green, the natural beauty of Malawi; and the sun rising signifying a new era dawning – hope for the future. These colours seep into my interlocked hair, recognising my heritage. 

Casting a confident gaze downwards I hold true to my roots. My external persona is the character I project – muted, my inner identity occupying less space and leaving room for new characteristics to take shape as I explore my belonging to Australia and Brisbane, the city I live in. Two versions of myself existing in tandem, both in friction and in conversation, moulding my journey as I explore the woman I seek to become.