Lead The Way, Girl – 2025

Synthetic Polymer Paint on Linen 122 x 122 cm

Signed and Dated Lower Right, Titled Verso

In Lead The Way, Girl, Phonsay continues his deeply poetic exploration of childhood wonder and the quiet strength of nature, this time through the eyes of a young girl riding a majestic sea turtle. With gentle reverence and dreamlike vision, the painting invites us into a world where innocence and resilience are carried forward on ancient, enduring wisdom.

The image is both tender and symbolic. The girl, steady and wide-eyed, is perched atop the graceful shell of a sea turtle—an emblem of patience, longevity, and protection. She ventures across an endless ocean, casting a paper crane into the waves, a timeless symbol of hope, peace, and healing. In her gesture lies the dream of a better world—one shaped not by power or fear, but by empathy, imagination, and courage.

Phonsay captures more than a moment of fantasy; he illuminates the deeper truth that the future rests in the hands of the young—those who still dare to dream, to believe, and to lead with open hearts. The sea turtle, gliding silently beneath her, represents nature’s quiet strength and steadfast support, bearing the burden of humanity’s choices while remaining a source of harmony and guidance.

In a time of global uncertainty, Lead The Way, Girl is a gentle yet powerful reminder: the ideas we nurture in the hearts of children today will determine the world we wake up to tomorrow. With its serene palette, rich symbolism, and emotional resonance, this painting is both a visual lullaby and a call to protect what is most precious—our planet, our peace, and the dreams of those just beginning their journey.