Painting by Enfield artist helps to raise money for rare genetic disease

Mary Osinibi created this painting Son of Man to be part of an exhibition and online auction run by Debut Contemporary to raise funds for Harrison’s Fund.

The 31-year-old says: “I was inspired by fellow artist Klara Cecmanova and the story of her sons Theo and Oskar who have recently been diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

“I knew that I wanted to create a piece of art that will move others to want to help and take notice of what they were going through and support a wonderful charity.“

Her painting is one of 38 works in the Human Suffering at Times of Crisis Part II – When Boys Become Men exhibition which is curated by well-known British artist Barry Martin, Samir Ceric, founder and CEO of Debut Contemporary and Klara.

Twenty per cent of the money raised from sale of the pieces will go towards the charity Harrison’s Fund, which helps families coping with the genetic condition that affects the muscles, causing weakness and usually death before the age of 30.

Mary modelled her painting on a friend’s ten-year-old son and spent two weeks creating it using photography, acrylic paint and digital techniques.

Her work is heavily inspired by what it means to have faith and a desire for change and she says of this painting: “The boy clothed himself with strength and carries the load of a man with a broad shoulder. He stares ahead and stands firmly, unafraid of the storms coming, for he knows the Son of Man.“.

She is now continuing the theme and working on a series of portraits of young boys dressed as men and plans to have a solo exhibition later this year.

View more of her work at www.maryosinibi.com or at the Debut Contemporary Gallery, Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill.

The silent auction continues until January 26 at www.32auctions.com/debutcontemporary with the live auction taking place on January 28 at Debut Contemporary from 7.30pm to 10pm over an art dinner.

Details: debutcontemporary.com