Starting over after a divorce is never easy. After years of building a life, stepping into the unknown can feel both freeing and unsettling.
For most women, it means redefining themselves outside of the roles they have played for so long.
However, with strong female friendships and a purpose in life, anyone can rebuild their confidence and rediscover themselves.
However, with strong female friendships and a purpose in life, anyone can rebuild their confidence and rediscover themselves.
Explore how Shirley, a 50-year-old banker helped her friend Monique rediscover her strength after divorce by reconnecting her with her passion for art.
A Friendship Rooted in Art: How Monique and Shirley Bonded Over Creativity
Shirley and Monique had been inseparable since their college years —two ambitious women who supported each other through life’s ups and downs.
Monique, an art enthusiast and collector, had always been full of life. For her, art was more than just a passion; it was a part of her identity.
She had spent years curating a collection that reflected the complexity and diversity of global art, filling her home with paintings that spoke of resilience, motivation, and the human spirit.
She had spent years curating a collection that reflected the complexity and diversity of art, filling her home with paintings that spoke of resilience, motivation, and the human spirit.
Monique handpicked each piece and often drove across the city to source them. Shirley had accompanied her on these trips several times and developed a knack for fine art herself.
Their bond only deepened as they explored the rich world of art together.
Losing Herself and Her Passion: Monique’s Struggle After Divorce
But things started to change when Monique’s domestic life took a turn for the worse. She struggled to focus, lost interest in searching for new pieces, and stopped going to galleries and exhibitions.
When she finally got divorced, Shirley locked herself in her home and completely gave up on her passion for art.
The art that once filled her with motivation, that she talked about with passion and energy, now felt like mere decoration. All the art pieces that she collected over the years lay unkempt and unattended as she suffered from inner turmoil.
Shirley watched Monique struggle for months and wanted to remind her of the strong, passionate woman she had always been — but how? What would be the right way to make Monique come out of her shell?
In the wake of Women’s International Day, Shirley planned an outing with her to celebrate the women they were and bring Monique out of her shell.
A Journey Back to Art and Self-Discovery: The Women’s International Day Visit to Ovico Gallery
Shirley heard from a friend that an independent gallery named Ovico Gallery was conducting an event on Women’s International Day and felt it was the perfect opportunity to inspire Monique.
This would refresh her memories of art and make her aware of the extreme challenges women have faced and the hurdles they crossed to be where they are today.
When they finally reached Ovico Gallery, they were amazed. Known for its exclusive African art by renowned artist Chike Onourah, the gallery was unlike anything they explored before.
As the two friends wandered through the halls, they realized that Ovico Gallery wasn’t just another art space —Ovico specialized in one-of-a-kind originals where each piece had a purpose and its own unique spirit.
They walked slowly, taking in each painting, but one stopped Monique in her tracks—Liberated.
It depicted a woman kneeling, her body adorned with intricate tribal jewelry, her hair wild and unrestrained. The colors—fiery reds, deep purples, and earthy oranges—blended in a storm of movement, mirroring the chaos and beauty of transformation.
It depicted a woman kneeling, her body adorned with intricate tribal jewelry, her hair wild and unrestrained. The colors—fiery reds, deep purples, and earthy oranges—blended in a storm of movement, mirroring the chaos and beauty of transformation.
The painting even came with a poem that captured the true essence of the art and helped Monique engage with the artwork on a profound emotional level.
Standing before the painting, she realized she had been searching for something outside of herself when she had always been whole.
She smiled—a real, unguarded smile—one Shirley hadn’t seen in months. Seeing Monique find her muse, Shirley decided to buy her the painting as a symbol of inner strength.
It wasn’t the painting alone that had helped her rediscover herself, but the presence of a friend who refused to let her forget who she was.
The Transformative Power of Art: How Ovico Gallery Helped Monique Rediscover Herself
Art has the power to heal, inspire, and transform, and for Monique, Liberated became more than just a painting—it reflected her journey toward rediscovering her strength.
Unlike the mass-produced pieces they usually encountered, Ovico Gallery’s commitment to authenticity and exclusivity ensured that every painting was either a one-of-a-kind original or part of an ultra-limited collection.
This rarity made Liberated even more special, reinforcing Monique’s individuality and resilience. Additionally, the accompanying poem added depth, turning the artwork into an immersive experience rather than just décor.
Through Ovico Gallery, Shirley didn’t just find a painting—she found a symbol of Monique’s rebirth. Because true art isn’t just something to admire; it’s something that speaks to the soul, reminding us of who we are and who we are becoming.
Find your muse through authentic, and iconic African Paintings by Chike Onourah.
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