Woah. That was my first thought when I came across a particular image on my Instagram explore page some time in 2021. I didn’t know it then, but this piece of art which used almost psychedelic African print fabrics, melanin-rich models and quirky hair and accessories, was created by Thandiwe Muriu. With her art, this Kenyan photographer captures striking images that pay homage to her culture.
Thandiwe describes herself as a visual artist whose preferred medium is photography. As Kenya’s first female commercial photographer and a photographic artist of international acclaim, she certainly has come a long way from her first attempt at photography at age 14. What did photography look like for her as an early teen? A lot of trial and error, DIY home studios and several floral images. Several years later, she eventually ventured into the world of advertising before exploring her personal passion and creating the images that SHE wanted to see.
Her popular “camouflage” series was a way for her to fall in love with herself and with art again. The series features images in which the models almost blend into the background yet stand out. In a podcast interview on Design Tangents, Thandiwe described her subjects as “empowered women simply occupying space”. Though blending in, they stand out with their rich skin, funky hair styles and eye-catching accessories. One of the main accessories that will catch your eye in most of the photos is her choice of eyewear. The pieces worn by her subjects are handmade from repurposed bits and bobs such as cans, clocks and everyday items by Thandiwe and her team of local artisans.
The way in which Thandiwe expresses her personal point of view through photography is beautiful. As a female artist in a male dominated space, she often felt dismissed and overlooked. Almost as if she was blending into the background. Her “camouflage” series was her way finding her voice.
I love that her work captures the essence of many black women and tells a part of our story. Feeling “othered” and sometimes dismissed is something many of us can relate to. But the beautiful part of going through such a journey is that it forces you into self-discovery, if only you allow it. You can choose to continually be silent and blend in, OR you can allow it to teach you to look within and find out what makes you unique. The things that make you one of one.
The photos also tell a story of our hair. From the hairstyles, to the headwraps worn by many of the subjects, she captures where we are today. In today’s world, the black woman has more freedom to experiment with her looks, especially her hair and I love that for us.
Thandiwe is currently showcasing at the Femme Noir public art exhibition in Seattle from August 21 – September 30, 2023. Femme Noire features the work of women artists from Africa and the African diaspora and celebrates the power of Black women.
For more information, please visit femmenoireseattle.com
