In the quiet waters beside my farm in Wamunyu, Kenya, live my most fascinating neighbors—hippos. These majestic creatures drift peacefully during the day, floating in stillness beneath the sun. You might catch them bobbing their heads or gently interacting with each other, as if they’ve figured out the secret to calm co-existence.
But come nightfall, everything changes.
The same hippos who seem so tranquil by day become unpredictable visitors. They wander out of the water under the cover of darkness—sometimes into the farm, sometimes onto paths near our homes. It’s a humbling experience, one that reminds me daily that nature does not answer to our routines. They’ve damaged fences, trampled crops, and created real safety concerns for the people working and living with me. And yet—I don’t see them as enemies.
This painting is my way of finding a dialogue with them. A way of asking: Can we live together in mutual respect? Can we understand each other’s needs and space?
The wide-open mouth of the hippo in this piece is symbolic. If you've ever stood near a hippo on land—especially unexpectedly—it’s not just intimidating; it's a moment where your entire world seems to shrink into the size of that yawning jaw. It's an encounter that demands your full attention, like the universe asking, Are you ready for this moment?
Still, there's beauty in that moment. There's power in learning to coexist with what we fear.
You’ll notice the bold number 5 in this piece. For me, five is more than a number—it’s a symbol of wholeness. We see it everywhere if we look: five fingers, five toes, five senses, five elements. It’s in our design, in the way we interact with the world. I paint the number 5 as a reminder that each of us is part of something greater.
The number 5 also represents a choice. When we face danger, uncertainty, or challenge—just like standing before an open-mouthed hippo—we must decide: Do we run, freeze, or face it head-on? Do we shrink in fear or rise with courage?
This painting invites you into that decision.
It’s an invitation to be present, to reflect on the delicate dance between man and nature, and to embrace the fullness of life—including its risks, its wildness, and its unexpected beauty.
‘Hippo Bite Demo’ | Photo Credit Ruth Munyao | Ol Pejeta, Kenya