Carrying On

Part of Muriel Elmaleh's *What We Carry* series, "Carrying On" reflects on the quiet resilience found in everyday life and the strength that emerges through shared experience. Two women move forward carrying children, baskets, and the necessities of daily life. Their gestures speak of routine, yet beneath them lies something deeper: a silent understanding shaped by responsibility, care, and community. Created with acrylic on canvas and authentic African fabric from Ivory Coast, the work draws inspiration from the artist's childhood memories and the women who surrounded her. Their strength was rarely dramatic, but it was constant—expressed through daily acts of support, endurance, and devotion. Through simplified forms, vibrant textiles, and warm color, *Carrying On* honors the invisible bonds that connect people across generations. It is a reflection on perseverance, belonging, and the many ways we help one another move forward.