A quest for oneself as a Kenyan woman
Thandiwe Muriu's photographs, she says, are an attempt to deconstruct Africa's unique blend of cultural practices, textiles and ideological beauty. In Camo, the artist confronts questions relating to identity and the quest for self, giving life to surreal portraits demonstrating his mastery of colors and shapes. Wax, or Ankara, is omnipresent in these compositions: the fabric conceals the bodies while evoking the evolving identity of the subjects. Particular attention is paid to hair and hairstyles. Through the rich history of traditional hairstyles, it intends to highlight the richness of the structures while modernizing them and offering young people the opportunity to immerse themselves in this historical heritage. At the heart of her approach, a desire to reflect on the place of women in Kenya and attempts at emancipation and empowerment. From toilet paper rolls to hairpins, the photographer repurposes everyday objects used by Kenyan women to turn them into offbeat and highly symbolic fashion accessories. The clothes and glasses are made in collaboration with local artisans, in order to further anchor this work in the culture from which it draws. A total work therefore, which from start to finish takes us on a colorful, introspective journey to the heart of the daily life of a woman in contemporary Kenya.
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