On June 7, 2025, I had the extraordinary honor of receiving the International Prize Leonardo da Vinci – The Universal Artist at the National Museum of Science and Technology “Leonardo da Vinci” in Milan. Standing in this historic and inspiring space, surrounded by collectors, curators, journalists, and cultural leaders from around the world, I felt a deep sense of gratitude and reflection.

Milan, a city that breathes art, history, and innovation, was the perfect setting for this recognition. To be acknowledged here, at Italy’s most visited science museum and a landmark of cultural memory, gave my work a resonance that went far beyond the personal. This prize celebrates not only artistic merit but also the humanitarian vision behind my portraits—an acknowledgment of the responsibility I feel as an artist to bear witness through my work.

For the last years, my focus has been on portraying women who have survived violence and adversity—gender-based, medical, institutional, or war-related. My series Female Portraits: Looking Back to the Past is a visual archive of stories too often ignored or erased. These portraits are not about what happened to these women; they are about who they became in spite of it. I paint them as they deserve to be seen: whole, dignified, and unbroken.

Being included in the art book Master Artists to Collect alongside reflections on Leonardo da Vinci’s legacy was particularly moving. Leonardo’s vision of human potential and universal inquiry has always inspired me, and to be recognized under the same values of innovation, depth, and social consciousness is deeply humbling.

Looking ahead, I am immersed in my new series, Portraits of the Soul, which draws connections between contemporary individuals and the timeless truths of biblical narratives. Through these portraits, I explore how stories from the past remain alive in the faces and lives of people today—echoes of resilience, faith, and humanity that transcend time and place.

Receiving this award in Milan reaffirms my commitment to ethical portraiture, to telling stories that matter, and to creating works that invite reflection, empathy, and dialogue. Art is a bridge—it connects us across borders, generations, and experiences. My hope is that these portraits continue to honor the strength of the human spirit while inspiring viewers to engage with the dignity, courage, and truth embedded in every story.