He comes across as well-versed, he loves art, he loves books.
Below is an interview Ekoroi had with Kirigwi, one of Kenya’s gifted painters.
Enjoy
What is your real name?
I am Kirigwi, Amos. You can call me Kirigwi, I like that one more. It is my art name too.
What first inspired you to start painting?
I started painting and drawing as a small boy far much back as I can remember – in primary school. Sketches on walls and on the floor with pencils, chalk, and charcoal, but not until while at Jomo Kenyatta University (JKUAT), did I take art as my way of storytelling, expressing oneself and beauty as well as a source of income. I take my/our stories and sort of express them in huge paintings to sort of document a narrative in one or a series of paintings which I find quite culturally and mentally arousing one’s curiosity and interest in the stories told. The self-expression and the storytelling is my inspiration. I love it and it’s totally fun to do.
Favorite artist? Why?
I have a list, both Kenyan and beyond. But let’s say, the reasons may range from boldness in one’s art, the story telling, the cultural presentation and the beauty and self-expression of one’s work attracts me.
What was @kirigwi thinking when he painted this masterpiece that is now printed on t-shirts, bags & other items ALL OVER THE WORLD? pic.twitter.com/I83H83CLeX
— Mihr Thakar (@MihrThakar) August 2, 2021
Have you ever done an exhibition?
I have had a couple of them actually. At the Museums of Kenya, in Manila Philippines for West Papua. Another one with the Actuarial Society of Kenya, and the recently concluded one at the Village Market, Nairobi.
What are your future plans? Where do you wanna be in 5 years as regards to painting?
I am hoping to paint more. I have about 250 works in waiting. The challenges usually acquiring art materials but I should be able to do it in that period or less. I hoping to also exhibit more in Kenya, and beyond. To tell our stories more, meet new people and to have fun. I am hoping to establish and invite ya’ll to my own community art center and to tell my and our stories to all of us, and together, to enjoy Art and Literature. That is something I am hoping to achieve, fundraise and get sponsors for.
