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The universe through the eyes of African teenagers
Wu Lei, Lu Lidan
The universe through the eyes of African teenagers

The "My Dream" Painting Competition for African Teenagers, hosted by the Secretariat of the Chinese Follow-up Committee of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the China Manned Space Agency, has announced its winners. Out of more than 2,000 entries received from 42 African countries, 10 individuals were awarded the first prize, 15 received the second prize, and 25 were honored with the third prize. 

Beginning on September 7, CGTN has been showcasing these award-winning paintings. Today, we've selected a few artworks that capture the imaginative visions of space from these talented artists.

1. "Mystery of Space" by Emmanuel Huang-Gui from the Republic of the Congo clinched the Wentian Award (second prize). The use of purple as the background color evokes feelings of mystery, wisdom and spirituality. The portrayal of a teenager donning a Superman-like red cape and soaring amid planets and spacecraft also symbolizes the spirit of unending exploration.

"Mystery of Space" by Emmanuel Huang-Gui

"Mystery of Space" by Emmanuel Huang-Gui

2. "My Dream" by Mubarak Mahmud from Eritrea secured the Mengtian Award (third prize). The artwork transports viewers into the boundless universe and vast galaxy, where a lone astronaut wanders. It prompts contemplation about the astronaut's origin and destination, with only the twinkling stars providing clues to a sweet dream.

"My Dream" by Mubarak Mahmud

"My Dream" by Mubarak Mahmud

3. "My Dream" by Natalie Joseph from Seychelles claimed the second prize. The artwork draws inspiration from her backyard, featuring vibrant plants and a variety of small animals, including Seychelles' endemic blue pigeon and green lizard. Natalie believes these elements represent peace, love and passion.

"My Dream" by Natalie Joseph

"My Dream" by Natalie Joseph

4. "Dreams Don't Die" by Julia Panyin Duncan from Ghana portrays the universe or galaxy as akin to a boundless blue ocean in the young artist's dream. The streams never stop flowing, symbolizing our unceasing pursuit of dreams.

"Dreams Don't Die" by Julia Panyin Duncan

"Dreams Don't Die" by Julia Panyin Duncan

5. "My Dream in Space" by Angela Marzocchi from Seychelles secured third prize. The artwork centers around a girl on a swing, facing a universe adorned with colorful stars, set against a backdrop of vibrant oceans and land. Angela says the swing is a symbol of freedom, bridging the realms of reality and dreams.

"My Dream in Space" by Angela Marzocchi

"My Dream in Space" by Angela Marzocchi

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