Bengadi: 333

"Picaflor"
48" x 56" - Oil on wood - 2016 - Benjamin Swatez

“Pundamilia Ya Upendo”

Benjamin Swatez – Oil on map/ canvas – 18.5” x 18.5” - 2016

“Omahkapi'si”

Benjamin Swatez – Oil on map/ canvas – 18.5” x 18.5” - 2016

“Ukombozi Simba”

Benjamin Swatez – Oil on map/ canvas – 18.5” x 18.5” - 2016

"Serpiente Del Arco Iris"

Benjamin Swatez – Oil on map/ canvas – 18.5” x 18.5” - 2016

"Dream"
Benjamin Swatez - Acrylic on canvas - 24" x 30" - 2016

"We all have a story AND we all have the POWER to write a new one"
Benjamin Swatez - Pen & Acrylic on paper - 8" x 15" - 2015

This work was Inspired by Dennis, a former child soldier who translated for me during my Mami Wata Art Therapy Project in Northern Uganda. He lived through horrors you wish not to imagine and now he has chosen to forgive, love and write a new story! So inspiring!

Former debt bonded slaves of the brick factory in eye-sight from the little village of Bahari, Utar Pradesh, India - "The best day of our lives was the day we were freed, and the second best day of our lives was the day we learned how to paint." Freedom is written through these smiles. THis painting is going to the Museum of Fashion in Brazil. Mahatma Gandhi invited his nation to make their own clothing and express themselves through the light. The colors of love are dressed all over these courageous souls! 18 x 18cm, oil and photo on canvas, 2015. Benjamin Swatez & photo by Peggy Callahan.

Left - Orphans and children of the war in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo – They have found their inner freedom upon the streets of what National Geographics declares, “the most dangerous city in the world.” Thank you CAMME RDC for your amazing work with the youth! 20 x 30 cm, Oil and photography on canvas – Benjamin Swatez – 2015 / Right – This little boy attends school one kilometer away from the mass burial grounds of the Massacre of Borlonyo, Northern Uganda. He drew on the chalkboard from my arms and brought light into our hearts! 20 x 30 cm, Oil and photography on canvas – Benjamin Swatez – 2015

Left - Goma, DR Congo - Camme- Democratic Republic of Congo Thank you!!! Everyday walking to school in Goma I watched smoke emerge from the volcano. Lava, Aids, Maleria, rape, corruption, war and BEAUTY! An older sister draws in my art class with her baby sister sleeping in her arms while riots were on the streets. Through the freedom of expression she shares her soul's desire to live in peace and love. SHE IS LOVE!!! 20 x 30 cm, Oil and Photograph on Canvas - Benjamin Swatez - photo by Steven Foord - 2015 / Right - Lira, Uganda - Children of Peace Uganda... Thank you!!! These children have seen more then you would every wish to imagine. From the village of Barlonyo they pass by the mass burial site everyday on their way to school. Joseph Kony decided one day to attack a refugee camp with the intention of killing over 200 people to get attention from BBC. The Lord Resistance Army took over 300 lives that day. Together with the incredible Jane Ekayu and former head prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Jorge Ocampo, we discussed the need for more educational programs that address the psychologic well being of those effected from war. This composition represents the youth painting life back into the walking dead. 20 x 30cm, Oil and Photograph on Canvas - Benjamin Swatez - 2015