"Throughout my photography journey it was clear I was always drawn to colour and the African woman (...) I quickly discovered an obsession with patterns which culminated in the Camo series. My images are a direct reflection of the warmth and friendliness of the people of Kenya." - Thandiwe Muriu
Thandiwe Muriu’s work showcases Africa’s unique mix of vibrant textiles, cultural practices, and beauty ideologies. Creating surreal illusions that are not digital manipulations but rather pure photography, she confronts issues surrounding identity and self-perception while seeking to redefine female empowerment through the application of her choice of materials, such as fabric and common household items.
Thandiwe Muriu is an artist with a highly atypical career path. She began her artistic career just three years ago, yet her work is already represented in many major private and public collections: Fondation Gandur from Switzerland, UHODA collection from Belgium, The Contemporary African Art collection by Pigozzi, the Carla and Pieter Schulting collection and the Allure collection in Switzerland, as well as the Joy Simmons collection, the Hood Museum and the Eleanor Crook Foundation. In addition, numerous museum board members (including Moma, Tate, V&A and Perez) have purchased her work.
