Canvases of Hope is a limited series pairing original artwork by artists in countries where BRAC works with the wisdom of our founder, Sir Fazle Hasan Abed.
Each piece is an invitation to our partners to pause, reflect, and remember the values that have guided BRAC from the beginning, and that members of our global community, like you, all share.
Below is the first piece in our series.
Next in the series: Piece 2 arrives in June. Postcard recipients will receive a short follow-up email with the artist story.
I have spent my life watching optimism triumph over despair when the light of self-belief is sparked.”
Sir Fazle Hasan Abed
BRAC Founder
About the Artwork
‘Cause I Let My Dying Petals Fall, 2023
Artist: Kakizi Jemima (Rwanda)
Acrylics on canvas
In this work, butterflies emerge from a woman’s face, a visual shift from heaviness toward possibility. It echoes Sir Fazle’s words about how self-belief can move people and communities beyond despair toward hope and opportunity.
The idea behind the quote
Across BRAC’s work, this belief shows up in quiet turning points:
- A family that has been overlooked is found and welcomed into a pathway out of poverty
- A child walks into a classroom for the first time in her life
- A community in crisis receives an outstretched hand
The details change, but the heartbeat is the same.
Meet the Artist
About Kakizi Jemima
Kakizi Jemima is a multidisciplinary artist, curator, and advocate for contemporary women artists. Her contributions to the arts have earned her a nomination for the Forbes Women Africa Social Impact Awards in 2023.
Her journey is also featured in the book HER STORY, which highlights the narratives of 32 courageous and visionary women in Rwanda who have advocated and organized for women's rights throughout history.
In the artist's words
'Cause I let my dying petals fall' symbolizes a conscious choice toward resilience and courage. It reflects the belief that even in moments of heaviness, optimism can triumph over despair when the light of self-belief is sparked. The upward gaze suggests hope, while the butterflies embody the freedom that comes from trusting one’s inner strength and embracing change.
About the piece
This artwork has been exhibited in Seoul, South Korea (September, 2023) as part of 'African aurora' group exhibition at Gallery Desiego.
Learn more and get in touch
For social media visit Kakizi Jemima on Instagram (@kakizijemima)
View the postcard
If you received a postcard in the mail, welcome. We're glad you're here.
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Front of postcard
Kakizi Jemima's stunning painting of a woman's face and butterflies in motion is paired with a quote on self-belief from BRAC's founder
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Back of postcard
Learn more about the artwork, artist, and series
BRAC Community Word Cloud
Add your word
About the series
What is Canvases of Hope?
Canvases of Hope is a three-part art postcard series released across the year. Each piece pairs:
- An original artwork by an artist from a country where BRAC works
- A quote from Sir Fazle Hasan Abed that reflects BRAC’s founding values
We created this series because BRAC is often known through what can be measured: research, results, and scale. Those matter. But beneath the numbers is something steady: BRAC’s heart, and its belief in human potential, even in the toughest conditions.
Why art?
Art invites a different kind of attention. It can hold complexity, emotion, and meaning. It stays with us. And it has long been part of how people make sense of injustice, resilience, and change.
A limited three-piece series
Three pieces across the year. If you received a postcard, you’ll get a short follow-up email with the artist story.
The Artists
We are happy to compensate our artists through an honorarium. Please also visit their social media, engage, and follow them to support their incredible work.