Artwork inspired by Jillian Mari Harris's story

Inspired by the life lesson of Jillian Mari Harris from Trinidad and Tobago, "An Oak Tree will never have to tell you it's an Oak Tree."

The artist Harshad Marathe shares about the work, "The author of the quote speaks about truth and the importance of living authentically, and understanding that there is a difference between what one is and what one says or thinks about oneself. My idea was to show a woman, as well as other creatures unravelling through the form of an oak tree. It looks like she’s pushing away a tapestry-like facade that is the oak tree, to reveal something that’s actually true, a more complex picture. On the first impression, one may see a tree, but as one looks closely, the different details and complexities become visible."

Harshad Marathe is an award-winning illustrator and painter. He believes that if his own work doesn’t surprise him, it won’t surprise anybody. The themes that interest him tend to be timeless explorations of the subconscious, the destruction or inversion of ideas, reversal of what is conventionally expected, and work that carries information and meaning that is beyond the obvious, the literary or the intellectual. He likes to backpack all over the world, but his current base is in Mumbai.

World Wisdom Map is a unique project that documents the life lesson and story of people from each of the 195 countries in the world. The collation and exhibition of human wisdom is presented on a digital, artistic and interactive world map. The data has also been designed into education and art resources. This consciousness project combines visual, and wisdom anthropology that exists in the world and further sparks awareness about the diversity of lifestyles, as well as the coping mechanism that people employ to create a meaningful life. Using the tool of technology, it is easier to connect and exchange information to ignite hope and global participation in an unbiased and creative way.

World Wisdom Map is conceptualised by Project FUEL, in association with Singapore International Foundation.