Barabara zangu

Modern & Classic-vol.6

2010-03-16T21:39:00.001-07:00

The Symbolism of Nairobi

When one takes a walk on Kenyatta Avenue,one will notice some two monuments on the roads facing opposite each other.
On the left hand side,one can see the African soldiers monument.On the right hand side,one can see the White soldiers monument.
Now,if Kenyatta was the first President in independent Kenya and Barack Obama the First Black president of the US,then don't you think Nairobi and it's streets have global significance?
When I was sketching the artwork below,I was talking about this symbolism.

Modern & Classic-vol.5

2010-03-14T21:50:00.000-07:00

The Symbolism of Nairobi

The symbolism of Nairobi as a capital city starts at the KICC(Kenyatta International Conference Centre)grounds combined with the statue of the founding President(Mzee Jomo Kenyatta) and City Hall way.
The direction in which the statue faces is towards Parliament buildings.It relates in the same manner as the City Hall relates with the Kenya National Archives(which is on Moi Avenue).
Moi Avenue as a major road in the city,intersects with Kenyatta Avenue on which historically significant buildings and statues are located.
Kenyatta Avenue as another major road intersects with Uhuru Highway which passes behind Parliament buildings towards the War memorial cemetery.
Harambee Avenue as a government road links Moi Avenue with Uhuru Highway.It is then intersected by Parliament Road which connects with City Hall way.
Other than this,Parliament buildings as a historic site with global significance(due to the Pan African political movement),is full of symbolism.
The first thing one notices,is the huge star at the entrance followed by the twelve figures on the buildings' architecture.
When one decides to sketch the roads of City Hall way,Harambee Avenue,Moi Avenue and Parliament Road,they form a square like shape and so is the statue of the first president in relation with City Hall which forms an "L" like shape.
If one takes time to connect all this historic sites and roads,they form some geometric like shapes.

About me and my sites

2010-03-10T21:18:00.000-08:00

Dear Reader,

It has come to my attention that some people are spreading lies around about my sites and their content.
I don't make profit from my blogging neither do I trade off information on selfish gains.
MOST of the photos and work in my sites is 95% mine and comes from a God given gift.
The other stuff and work comes from my friends who I ask permission from them before I post.
Am not a hacker nor a University professor.Am a young,simple African artist who is trying to discover the truth.
The truth about myself,my surroundings,my history and my future.
With this open letter I hope to clear the air and set issues straight.

Yours, Taurus.

Kinyozi art

2009-12-06T20:40:00.000-08:00

Kinyozi art or barber shop art, has close links with matatu art.Entrepreneurs decorate and paint their shops with bright colours to attract customers.
At the barber shop, guys meet and talk about current affairs and other issues.
The art work above was done by Nozi and Aro (some of my neighbourhood artist friends.)
They can do signs and decorate Salons also.

Modern & Classic

2009-11-03T21:04:00.000-08:00

Nairobi is a 'modern and classic' city in the sense that old and new buildings stand side by side.
A visitor can witness this by going for a walk along Kenyatta Avenue and Moi Avenue.
Classic buildings usually have the year of completion written at the entrance or near the roofs.
This date back to the colonial times.
Modern buildings on the other hand have a simple,Cubist style of architecture.
Now,comparing this facts with my work I can refer to Monet as a classic artist and Piet as a modern artist.
Neo-Plasticism can be viewed as a reincarnation of Impressionism.
Monet used brilliant colours (primary colours)in his work while Piet used primary colours with a bit of black & white.
So combining this with African colours I got the following pieces.

Early post/ Market day

2009-10-25T00:41:00.000-07:00

If one decides to compare market scenes of the developed countries with those of developing countries,you will notice the huge difference.

African soldiers

2009-10-25T00:16:00.000-07:00

In art history, we often hear of the French Zouaves but not the British Kings African Rifles(KAR).
Creativity is entangled with warfare during the WW1 and WW2 periods.
Apart from North Africans,East Africans also participated in the world wars.Most of the KARs were Africans and they were killed in large numbers since they were usually placed at the front line.
The epitaph under this monument is written in English, Arabic and Swahili.The writings on it show how in contempt Africans were looked upon.
By referring to people as "Arms and Legs" is not right.It's a great wonder that no one has ever complained about this issue and yet we have "intellectual" world war historians around.
Notable servicemen included Hussein Onyango Obama (the US Presidents' paternal grandfather) and "General China" who later became a freedom fighter.

The Rooftops

2009-09-23T22:22:00.001-07:00

Many people fail to understand the environmental aspect of this photograph.
Yes we can have beautiful trees growing in the city but that doesn't prevent acid rain from destroying the roofs---?

Photo translation-2

2009-09-23T22:10:00.000-07:00

With a single photograph one can do many things such as playing with time and colours.

Casual mania

2009-09-18T22:18:00.001-07:00

Street fashion is a huge hit in urban areas.There are no age limits or status issues.
Anytime of the day it's all good.Whether outdoors or indoors.

Narrow passage

2009-09-02T21:54:00.000-07:00

The original Bohemians maybe had their own way of tackling life issues.
What the early painters/artists went through in their lives is somewhat different from our current generation.
Nowadays, tragedies occur almost on a daily basis.Many of these "creative ones" leave unmentioned.
Few cases (such as the one above), get Press coverage.
It's indeed a harsh reality being a street artist.
Many guys run the risk of being arrested or even imprisonment.Others get caught up in drug problems.
Maybe all this will change one day..........

mashahiri

2009-08-28T23:00:00.000-07:00

Throughout East and Equatorial Africa, poetry is or has become an avenue for expressing feelings, dreams,hopes and fears.
Poetry occupies a special place in everyday life.
Poets memorize and recite poems that reflect the wisdom of their people and their daily experiences.
A skilled poet can talk for several hours without tiring............
--------------------
Today's poems have become lyrics to rap songs.Rappers and their music have evolved from traditional storytellers/griots to international celebrities.
What body painting was has now become body tattooing.The Kingship gold chains and bracelets, have now become blings and ice.
The "Call and Response" in the village has taken over the concert stages and memories are now preserved in CDs.

"Blogging reality"

2009-08-23T22:08:00.000-07:00

"Rather than love,than money,than fame,give me truth."
-Henry David Thoreau

Bloggers are said to be the community journalists and voice of the voiceless...........
Personally I view blogging as a celebration of diversity,human life and day to day experience.
Before immersing myself in the blogging world, life around me was just "life"- just living and passing time.
My way of thinking,viewing and judging of issues that were happening around me gradually started to change overtime.
Through blogging i.e. expressing myself and meeting other people on line really added something I never knew I had.
I began seeing the beauty in my surroundings and began appreciating myself more.
Due to this "blogging effect",I've talked to fellow street artists and friends to post their stuff on the net.
Some don't see the importance or the value.Others just have difficulty accessing the Internet and some it's like gibberish......

Just flying over >>.>

2009-07-31T22:15:00.002-07:00

A sunny day....the sound of vehicles moving and a height above the rest ---,is what the camera showed me.

Nairobi stone

2009-07-31T22:15:00.001-07:00

The above milliary stone is located along Kenyatta avenue near the GPO.It's one of a kind.Maybe that's the reason it's fenced around.The design itself is unique.

Early post/ stocks $ hues

2009-07-19T22:53:00.001-07:00

The recession that is affecting all corners of the globe made me remember one of my early paintings.As an alternative- stocks can be traded like an auction house.
I found the NYSE photo in some old magazine that was thrown in a dump around town.

Tribute to MJ

2009-07-19T22:35:00.000-07:00

Dancing shoes

Guys received the news with disbelief and shock.In short,Mj inspired everyone in the world.I've been hearing his songs from nursery school to the present days.
People got impressed by his fine dance moves and passionate singing.As an artist and a fan I had to react to the sad news.
Maybe his demise will unleash a new art movement like Obamaism.It might be MJism or the popular Wacko Jacko.Who knows? ^^^

My Drawings 6

2009-06-23T22:49:00.001-07:00

The little shops found in the countryside are designed in such a way that everyone sees whats happening around.No jostling or littering.
Some of them were built during the colonial era and are still intact.

Monday morning

2009-06-23T22:36:00.000-07:00

Blue street,Acrylics on paper,16cm x 10cm.

Everyone hates waking up early in the morning especially on Mondays.The day is usually characterized by chilly and dull emotions.There are few people and less sunshine.
Maybe a monochrome might explore this phenomenon.

Overhead mural

2009-06-22T21:46:00.000-07:00

The above mural was done by my neighbourhood artist friend called Robert.I wanted to take his photograph but he declined.
Many street artists are camera shy I don't know why.Apart from this,he has also painted barber shops and does a bit of illustration.
He's also a good painter but the realist type.The mural is located around my home town.

Rare gift

2009-06-18T22:24:00.001-07:00

Barack ni Baraka,Coloured pencil and pen on paper,20cm x 10cm.

Everyone in Africa and particularly Kenya loves Mr.President.Many artists of all levels have either done a piece or staged something concerning the US president.
Some have done graffitis, others have stuck his photos on vehicle bodies and others like me have done art pieces in the form of paintings,collages and animations.
The title of this artwork when translated to English reads Barack is a Blessing.It's based on a passport photo I had seen in the newspapers when he was campaigning with McCain.

@ the streets-Tour 5

2009-05-24T22:16:00.000-07:00

I believe that a street is not complete without telephone and electric cables hanging around.Street lights are also a necessity.

Early post/ Earthy street

2009-05-24T22:06:00.000-07:00

At my friends' house there are many magazines.This street photo caught me.Maybe the foreign architecture caused a reaction somewhere.

My Drawings 5

2009-05-17T22:22:00.000-07:00

I remember my short trip upcountry.The little townships and shopping centres.When compared to those of the city and their congestion,it's like the total opposite.

Country Bus Terminus

2009-05-17T22:14:00.000-07:00

The bus terminus is a nice place to get artistic ideas since it's full of different forms and colours.Sometimes I ask myself why many artists focus too much on painting market scenes and Maasai herdsmen.
Why can't they just go out and see the various subjects available...?

Experiment on Opticals

2009-05-17T22:02:00.000-07:00

Scientists like Henri Poincare,began to consider the way mathematics relates to art in 1906 (Value of Science).
It's also important to observe that most optical paintings have similar qualities to music.Therefore Optical art can be described as "visual music" as it communicates by means of visual tunes as it is in music.

Academic visions

2009-05-13T22:53:00.001-07:00

I snapped this school gate as a reminder of my "educational days".The academy is located around my home area.I don't know the sign-writer who did it but he did some fine work.
Viewing this from another perspective is like a new form of art but it's quite common here. People have realized that in order to make schools appealing they have to use a bit of art.

More of the basics

2009-05-13T22:40:00.000-07:00

Looking back where I came from is kind of moving.All those sketches,bright stickers and colour schemes I did of matatus no longer mean a thing.Life is like a pendulum-always moving back and forth.

Just flying over>.>>

2009-05-13T22:35:00.000-07:00

A view from a flyover can be astonishing especially if one is afraid of heights.At the same time it boosts ones creative senses.

Experiment on Opticals

2009-05-13T22:28:00.001-07:00

Opticals have many applications in our day to day lives.They are used in fashion(fabric) design,poster design,wall paper design and album covers.
Here in Africa there are used to decorate umbrellas,paper bags and household clothes.

The forgotten monument

2009-04-26T00:21:00.001-07:00

I "discovered" this historical monument at the intersection of Kenyatta Avenue and Wabera Street.
On the epitaph it is inscribed:
1914 -1918
1939 -1945
TO OUR GLORIOUS DEAD
with a Cross in the middle.
It's design and shape is almost similar to the Washington monument(DC).Except that this one is small in size.

My Drawings 4

2009-04-26T00:14:00.000-07:00

A stroll and another stroll......fills my work with sights.Till I collapse ^^^^

Experiment on Opticals

2009-04-18T22:38:00.001-07:00

Optical art or 'Op art' is a form of art that is meant to create visual illusion or "visual irritation".The effect is best felt when using two highly contrasting colours.
I got the idea above from flag posts.

Urban Pastoralists

2009-04-18T22:31:00.000-07:00

When there is no rain both people and animals feel the pinch.Herdsmen come from far away places in search of pasture.Cows and goats are seen in estates and on road sides.

Evening hours

2009-04-04T01:11:00.000-07:00

Accra Road,Acrylics on paper,45cm x 32cm.

The evening hours can be full of activity with people closing their shops and businesses to arrive home early.People tend to rush and move in order to avoid the traffic jams.
The evening Sun can also be a good artistic inspiration.With the orange,red and yellow reflecting on the building walls.

@ the streets-Tour 4

2009-03-16T22:38:00.000-07:00

I've come to realize that streets are not the same.Some are short,like this one,some are long enough to invent a bus route and others too clean to believe...

Cars and Apparel

2009-03-16T22:22:00.000-07:00

I know some garages which give their staff clothes.Some of these are in the form of T-shirts,boots,caps and overalls.All these items are branded with the garage's name and affiliate companies.
Maybe this is a new deviation from the usual fashion industry approach.Soon we shall be hearing of "garage catwalks" and "engine photo shoots."

Photo sketching

2009-03-16T22:04:00.000-07:00

Sometimes in life you have to experiment.Check out the 'pros' and 'cons'.Here I wanted to check out how far I can take photography.Like a competition between man and machine.

The Flag Code(Continuation)

2009-03-02T20:38:00.000-08:00

Other cool flags in the continent:
Botswana
Chad
Ivory Coast
Gabon
Gambia
Mauritius
Nigeria
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Years of independence in East and Equatorial Africa:
1956 :Sudan
1960 :Somalia
Zaire
Gabon
Congo
Chad
Central African Republic
1961 :Tanzania
Cameroon
1962 :Uganda
Rwanda
Burundi
1963 :Kenya
1968 :Equatorial Guinea
1975 :Sao Tome and Principe
Angola
1976 :Seychelles
1977 :Djibouti

Ethiopia was never a colony.
I've also found some peculiar similarities in flags.These particularly,are in colours.Take for example:
The Liberian flag is similar to that of the US,the only difference being the star.It has one star while the US many stars.The Madagascan flag has similar colours with the Niger flag but different design.The Ivorian flag has similar colours with the Irish flag,the Seychelles flag with the Italian and the Ugandan with the Belgian flag.
Some architectural firms prefer designing buildings according to flags,others paint their exterior with national colours.While others landscape their gardens according to flags.
Humans prefer marking their territories and sending messages with flags while others prefer marking large signs on open flat areas.

Pop Art in Kenya

2009-03-02T20:19:00.000-08:00

Pop art or Popular art has a big influence in Kenya and in Africa in general.The public, ignorantly don't know it.It is evident everywhere one goes.From the free internet downloads,flamboyant political rallies,matatu culture,the neighborhood signboards to the roadside billboards.
Graffiti artists who are more into socialist realism are slowly exploring the commercial aspect of this genre.On the other hand,Pop culture has gained momentum on the digital level.We now hear of popular websites,blogs,software and other hi-tech gizmos.

@ the streets-Tour 3

2009-02-27T20:25:00.000-08:00

Nairobi is known both locally and internationally as the "City in the Sun".In this photograph,one almost feels the heat and the brightness experienced during the day.

My Drawings-3

2009-02-27T20:20:00.000-08:00

Many people say that great cities were not built in one day.But for the vast and unlimited artistic license,this is just empty talk.

The Flag Code

2009-02-22T21:22:00.001-08:00

In the Bible we often read about Father Abraham and his many descendants but we don't get to realize this in reality.So, going for a walk along the busy Biashara Street I happened to get a glimpse of some beautiful flags ranging from different sizes to different designs.
Some were in sticker form,others as badges and some in banner style.Flags have also slowly evolved from the patriotic approach to a trendy and social statement in the form of fashion,marketing and vehicle aesthetics.
I know some guys who have included them as part of interior design.Anyway,for every flag there is a conviction or symbolism behind it,One that unites a specific country or a group of people.
Now checking at the various flags we have in the African continent,one is amazed with the variety.
To simplify the process it's better to group them according to the items and colours placed on them:

Cultural Heritage of country:
Kenya
Lesotho
Swaziland
Celestial bodies:
Somalia
Togo
Zimbabwe
Tunisia
Morocco
Algeria
Angola
Benin
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Central African Republic
Comoros
Congo
Djibouti
Ghana
Guinea-Bissau
Liberia
Malawi
Mauritania
Mozambique
Niger
Sao Tome and Principe
Senegal
Birds:
Egypt
Uganda
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Tools:
Angola
Congo
Zaire
Pan African colours:
Burkina Faso
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Ethiopia
Ghana
Guinea
Kenya
Mali
Mozambique
Rwanda
Sao Tome and Principe
Senegal
Sudan
Togo
Zaire
Zimbabwe
Zambia
Badges:
Egypt
Cape Verde
Congo
Equatorial Guinea
Mozambique
Zimbabwe
Zambia
Most unique countries in alphabet:
Djibouti
Kenya
Principe island
Rwanda
Most unique flags:
Libya
Rwanda
Others:
Tanzania,Namibia,Madagascar and South Africa.

@ the streets -Tour 2

2009-02-18T21:32:00.000-08:00

Down the ever busy city streets will always leave the pedestrian in a state of activity.With vehicles moving and hooting all over the place,its easy to get stressed.

Fantastica

2009-02-13T21:25:00.000-08:00

City of dreams,Acrylics on paper,45cm x 32cm.

Has anyone been to a place that left a polychromatic mark on the eyes? Even the early Impressionists could not crack the riddle.....; How many colors are there in the outside world? Are they seen by the average eyes? Do we as people realize this?

My Drawings-2

2009-02-10T22:04:00.000-08:00

When one decides to take an architectural tour around the country and city,one usually finds unmentioned gems such as this one.Its on the junction between Moi Avenue and River rd.

1981 Street scene

2009-02-10T21:57:00.000-08:00

Moi Avenue in 1981,Acrylics on paper,45cm x 32cm.

Back in those days things were tidy,quiet and orderly.Unlike nowadays when everyone is in a rush with pollution and noise all over the city.

The Urchin

2009-02-04T21:13:00.000-08:00

There is an unquenchable and irresistible thirst of the soul
That demands an explanation of the world in which it finds itself
Such aspiration is that of the historian
Who also seeks law and order in the universe
History,like science,like religion,is a constant search for such law
Which yet always just eludes the grasp
Time...., still, like an ever-rolling stream,bears all its sons away
and it is the stream itself and the spirit that dwells therein that we study
Man of the Old Stone Age lived on the flesh of the creatures he slayed
His dependence on the chase led him to observe the habits and the forms of the animals that he hunted
With the accuracy and beauty of his paintings rousing the wonder and admiration of those who explore his caves.
But when did the process begin?
It is as hard to answer this as to answer the question-
When does a man begin to grow old?
Before that I to be begun,I did begin to be undone.

@ the streets -Tour 1

2009-02-04T20:56:00.000-08:00

Nairobi city being locally and internationally known as the busiest Capital in the East African region,can also be a great source of inspiration for the creative eye.In the streets,one finds the colours, letters, music, spiritual coherence and the philosophical understanding necessary for survival.

Dusk till Dawn

2009-02-02T21:21:00.001-08:00

Morning hours,Acrylics on paper,45cm x 32cm.

Time is complex and puzzling as life itself.Night and Day as two sides of a coin,with the tosser the ultimate Master.

Going historic

2009-02-02T21:10:00.000-08:00

Fort Jesus,Acrylics on paper,45cm x 32cm.

The sunny beaches and the re-construction of history is an inspiring experience.The separate entities of joy and pain collide to produce a monochromatic like result.

Notes of paint

2009-01-11T22:53:00.000-08:00

I've come to realize ,that -you are what you listen.So I've come up with some findings concerning the music in art.These range from Impressionism to Conceptualized art and vice avers.
If you happen to be an expressionist its better off you listen to Hip-Hop,while the impressionist and his light ,rhymes along with Jazz music.
If you are a realist painter,Reggae music works fine.However -if you are an abstract head then Rock music works better.
Conceptualized art goes hand in hand with the classical/orchestra stuff.
All other genres of music work best with Surrealism.And as for Cubism,African music comes in handy.

My Drawings-1

2009-01-04T21:03:00.001-08:00

This sketch is of a section of a street in Nairobi Town.Here I just wanted to play with pen and pencil.

Abstract Four

2008-12-10T20:37:00.000-08:00

Advanced Cityscape,Acrylics on canvas,20" x 16".

This is the last abstract I executed in Mondrian's style.The blue background stands for the city skyline,dark blue marks for tarmacked roads.Yellow marks for lights during nighttime.The other colours and marks stand for people and buildings.

Abstract Three

2008-12-10T20:22:00.000-08:00

Advanced village scape,Acrylics on paper,64cm x 45cm.

When I was doing this painting I was thinking about Piet Mondrian and his De Stijl movement.It's a bit Cubist in style and uses the line as a means of passing the message.
The red background stands for the rural/soil landscape.The brown marks for village homesteads.Orange Yellow marks for footpaths,thick dark blue for the tarmac road.Grey marks for shopping centers.

Abstract Two

2008-12-10T20:15:00.000-08:00

Abstract Landscape,Acrylics on paper,64cm x 45cm.

This can be undeveloped land,full of wild vegetation and flowing streams of water.Against a backdrop of encroaching city expansion.

Abstract One

2008-12-10T20:07:00.000-08:00

Old house,Acrylics on paper,64cm x 45cm.

This piece is of an old building left in ruins.It also shows the contrast that exists between modern day building design and the older style of designing.Like a classic building in the middle of the city.

The Rooftops

2008-11-09T21:48:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine who works as a freelance photographer snapped this pic as he was testing his gadget.Amazingly,it caught everything nicely from a birds' eye view.

Colour Factory

2008-09-29T00:03:00.000-07:00

Painting is like a journey of many miles where the body,mind and soul slowly merge into one whole unit.It awakes your inner being and expands your sixth sense.It's more like evolving from a low being to a more superior being.

What you didn't know

2008-09-28T23:47:00.000-07:00

In the first posting of this site,I had mentioned my background as a matatu designer.What I forgot to inform you as the reader was that, I had designed a vehicle together with a friend which got featured in an advertisement.
My pal is known locally as Raphael but currently he specializes in writing signs.
This, to me was the pinnacle of my short career.On top, I also acquired respect from fellow designers and boosted my portfolio.

Freedom and Justice

2008-09-18T23:04:00.000-07:00

I did this piece on cardboard using oils as a reaction to the post election violence that rocked my country.It's symbolic in style.
If you look at it closely,one sees on the right the PNU side while on the left is the ODM side.In the middle is a ballot box from which two monsters emerge.These creatures are engaged in a duel type of battle.
In the background are eyes from which tears of blood are flowing,this symbolizes the mourning and bloodshed that took place.
During this time,many artists reacted differently.Some donated their works to help the affected people.

"Last canvas"

2008-09-14T10:08:00.000-07:00

City crossroads,Acrylics on canvas,20"x16".

This piece is my last of the African street series.Over the time I've developed other genres of painting.Particularly the Abstract Expressionism school of painting.
I hope that I'll be able to capture peoples' minds and inspire them.

Busy day

2008-09-14T10:00:00.000-07:00

Days such as these have been really stressful.The reason being having to work under direct heat and light from the sun.Eventually however,the end product i.e. the painting tends to kind of lift once spirit.
I started off painting on a table but now am using a professional easel.Talk of development and growth.

Photo translation

2008-09-14T09:52:00.000-07:00

Translating interesting photos such as this one of a busy Nairobi street,has been great.Being able to alter different times using colours really works my creative juices.A photo can be taken at night then translate it to either midday,evening or vice versa.

Personal collection

2008-08-14T01:47:00.000-07:00

These paintings show the various directions I took when trying to find my way as an artist.All of them are done on paper and have recently been mounted in frames.They look great!

Words and Pictures in Nairobi

2008-07-28T21:37:00.000-07:00

This movement is one of the first in Kenya to have a strong following among the youth.It showcases both oral and visual art forms.

Foreign missions such as the British Council should be commended due to their constant support of such initiatives.

The only problem I have with the organizers of this underground society is that,they tend to focus more on the stage performances than on the visual works.

I recently attended one of their monthly events and managed to snap a few samples which I think looked interesting.

Third canvas

2008-07-24T22:45:00.000-07:00

City Hall,Acrylics on canvas,20"x16".

'Buildings should breathe like we do.Give sight like our eyes do.They should look beautiful.How else can we be happy in them?'

-Africa Guide,1980.

Love for architecture is what drove me to paint this historic building.The design work looks similar to that of the New York Stock Exchange( click the Archives button on the right bar to view).

Second canvas

2008-07-24T22:39:00.000-07:00

Untitled,Acrylics on canvas,20"x16".

Unlike the previous piece,this one tried to capture the feeling experienced in the morning hours.Notice the long shadow of the building on the right.

First canvas

2008-07-24T22:22:00.000-07:00

Lonely street in Nairobi,Acrylics on canvas,20"x16".

In this painting,I wanted to bring out three aspects.The first being the semi-realism aspect;the second being the mood aspect,since I wanted to capture the feeling in relation to time and the third which brought out the African aspect through the use of browns and reds.

City statues

2008-07-15T05:19:00.000-07:00

It's at the Jeevanjee Gardens that one finds this unique piece.Located between Moi Avenue and Muindi Mbingu St, the recreational park hosts a variety of statues.
What made me snap this one is the way the two figures join hands.It reminds one of the old kindergarten days.How kids used to play,especially girls.
Such efforts should be encouraged since they help promote art and inspire upcoming artists.
I wish every street in Nairobi had a statue or mosaic,it would boost the aesthetic appeal of the city.

Full Kipupwe

2008-07-09T22:42:00.000-07:00

In the course of my quest to discover graffiti related artforms,I happened to come across this bold,fierce graffiti that was done on a wall of an abandoned house located just behind the Rahimtulla Towers.The place smelled of urine and garbage,but the artwork itself looked quite appealing.I don't know who did it but I think it was done by the WAPI guys.

Can't stop,won't stop!

2008-06-23T22:48:00.000-07:00

I uploaded this real life photos of matatus so that readers from other regions can get a glimpse of what this blog is about.

Despite the frequent crackdowns by the authorities,this art form has persevered on and has continued to blossom.

This unique culture labelled "matatu culture" is a rare fusion of Kenyan urban culture and Americas' hip-hop culture.

It first of all started with rap music being played on the radio and gradually taking root firmly among the youth.

My only wish is for the government to embrace this artists and start recognising them.It can organise workshops with reputable car manufacturing companies-so as to help the artists perfect their skills.

Who knows? Maybe one day some will emerge and be like Funk Master Flex or Xzibit(Pimp my Ride).

The actual drawings

2008-06-09T21:59:00.000-07:00

Last time I posted my article I forgot to post the actual work.I just typed and left.But due to public demand Ive managed to put up some evidence.Hope my fans like them.

My Drawings

2008-06-05T08:29:00.000-07:00

When I started out I had a hard time,first I had to come up with a way of sketching my subjects.Since I paint from observation-I decided to buy an artist pad which was more portable.
When I see anything interesting,I come up within seconds with a sketch of what the actual painting would look like.
On the canvas, I add some details to improve the aesthetics.Although some of my paintings come from published material;I try to add a bit of originality to it.
My dream is to one day hold an exhibition in New York or Moscow.

Typical street day

2008-05-07T00:25:00.000-07:00

One day I happened to pass by those sidewalk table hotels and got inspired by the emptiness of the place.

New York Stock Exchange

2008-05-07T00:19:00.000-07:00

The other day I was checking out some old magazines and happened to see the NYSE before 9/11.No insults but I saw some beauty in the architecture.

Modern market

2008-05-05T02:22:00.001-07:00

There is one place that is full of colour and activity.One place that people take for granted.

The basics

2008-05-01T22:34:00.000-07:00

When I started out as a mathree designer,I had to learn the basic elements.These were to learn to draw an exact look alike of a vehicle body.Afterwards , one had to colour and tag it with the prefered name.
Times would be hard in some cases when one had to present the sketch to the owner of the vehicle while it was in the garage.Back then we didn't know the essence of a digital cam or a portfolio.It was all crude.

Time for Religion

2008-04-21T23:50:00.000-07:00

Indian Temple shrine,Acrylics on paper,45cmx32cm.

People all over the world respect and love religious values but few people realise or notice the artistic beauty displayed in some of these holy sites.

Movie scene that stuck in my brain

2008-04-21T23:43:00.000-07:00

Street from memory,Acrylics on paper,45cmx32cm.

Have you ever watched a movie and along you happened to see something that couldn't fade off?

Well, this sight really made an impression on me......

Talk about walking by a restaurant

2008-04-21T23:32:00.000-07:00

Chinese Restaurant,Acrylics on paper,45cmx32cm.

Have you ever been to a Chinese hotel,have you noticed anything unique or artistic in terms of design and colour?

My Genesis

2008-04-08T21:27:00.000-07:00

I was born in Nairobi,the capital city of Kenya.I grew up in Dandora estate which is in the Eastlands area.I attended Jogoo Rd primary school then proceeded to St.Teresas' Boys high school.In my life in the city,I was fascinated by matatus.Matatus are public transport vehicles which exhibit defiance by playing loud music and mostly of all having graffiti sprayed all over them.
This unique ,rough art really worked my creative juices because at one time as I can remember in primary school,my English teacher caned me severely for drawing a matatu on the classroom wall.
However, it is after finishing high school that I dedicated myself fully in this art.There I met designers like Hassan,Moha,Jeff and Jaymo.The first three are the most popular and the last was my teacher.Afterwards ,I quit and decided to go solo into a more respectable field i.e.painting.