Artist Mwass Githinji in his studio
"I grew up in a small village in Kenya where the main sources of entertainment were mythical stories by the fireside, old newspapers, dog-eared story books and a wild imagination. Before I knew what art was and before I could even hold a pen, I was already doodling on the ground, by clearing dirt with my bare hands and using a blunt stick as my brush. Today, that very act of clearing dirt using my hand can probably be traced to the rawness of how I prime my canvas.
Today, my art is a reflection of that very same wild imagination, African stories, philosophies and a study of great artists who live(d before me). I was once asked if I had a sad childhood since my art is dark and melancholic. The answer to that question is still not known to me. What I know, for sure, is that my work is a potrayal of the deep seated state of the human being. Those feelings that we try so hard to hide are laid bare in my work, those wild thoughts that we can’t utter are the bread to my butter. I dissect the human emotion, especially the most vulnerable state of the human being and expose how fragile our inner child is. My canvasses are a collection of what’s inside us all, to he hanged on white walls and discussed, in hush or critical tones.
Through the exploration of human anatomy and the expressive use of lines and curves with pastel as my main medium, my paintings delve into the nature of the human experience, merging reality with elements of imagination. I create thought-provoking narratives that resonate with viewers on a personal and emotional level."
-Mwass Githinji
Mwass Githinji's artworks displayed at Clio Art Fair's 17th Edition, September 5-8, 2024
Mwass has showcased his works in the past Clio Art Fair's 17th edition in September 5-8, 2024. Here is our short interview with him!
Mwass, can you please describe your art in four words?
Thought-provoking, different, relatable and dark
What inspires your art?
African stories, observation, world philosophies and study of artists who lived before me.
How would you describe your experience at Clio Art Fair?
Deeply satisfying. Although I was not at the fair physically, my collectors/friends from New York gave me an overview of the fair from the opening night to the last day. I was also able to connect with other artists through Instagram. What I really liked about the overall organization was how responsive the team was. I was in constant communication with Bianca and Lia, and both of them were quick with updates and also answering my questions. I got a live walkthrough of the fair and saw how well the work was curated. Overall rating for me would have been 11/10 but because I was not present, I give it 10/10.
Mwass Githinji, Mumbi (one who created), 2024
Mixed Media, 100cm x 153cm
Showcased at Clio Art Fair's 17th Edition, September 5-8, 2024
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