For its inaugural participation in Art SG, 193 Gallery is proud to present on booth FC11 a selection of Thandiwe Muriu's iconic Camo works, including two new photographs created specifically for this occasion.
Thandiwe Muriu’s photography celebrates Africa’s rich tapestry of vibrant cultures, textiles, and beauty norms while placing a strong emphasis on the empowerment of women. Through her use of bold, vivid colors, she honors her African heritage and thoughtfully addresses themes of identity and self-perception.
Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, Thandiwe discovered photography at the age of 14, thanks to her father. Without access to formal art schools in Kenya, she taught herself using books and the internet. At just 17 years old, she began her career as a professional photographer. By 21, she ventured into advertising photography and, two years later, completed her first major campaign. Until 2019, Thandiwe rose to prominence in Kenya’s advertising industry—breaking barriers as the first female photographer in a male-dominated field. Her portfolio included campaigns for East Africa’s leading companies before she transitioned to fine art photography.
Her experiences in the advertising world shaped her perspective and inspired her acclaimed Camo series, a deeply personal project that explores themes of culture, identity, and the role of women in traditional societies. This series serves as a testament to her passion for celebrating and empowering women.
In vibrant alignment with the African proverb, “However far the stream flows, it never forgets its source,” Muriu reimagines everyday Kenyan objects as bold accessories for her subjects. In Kenya, objects often serve multiple purposes, and this creative recycling is a common practice in a resourceful society. As Muriu explains: “When you have little, you transform and reuse it.”
Passionate about preserving traditional architectural hairstyles, Muriu incorporates modern interpretations into her work, a process she calls ‘modernising history,’ which draws from the past to inform future generations.
Each piece is paired with an African proverb, inviting reflection on how heritage shapes contemporary African identity amidst globalization. "A wise man who knows the proverbs of the land reconciles difficulties." Through her work, Muriu suggests that heritage provides a foundation for self-reflection.
"Proverbs are a great way of preserving the oral culture that we have, and for future generations. I am part of the modern Africa generation. I would never read African proverbs just for my own information. I thought, “This is something that we are going to lose!” If I pair it with my images, five years from now, people will learn about African proverbs and Kenyan culture. I’m preserving history." - Muriu, interviewed by Eliza Jordan for Whitewall magazine, February 2023
