Waweru’s art is currently on display at Garden City Mall off Thika Road.
Who are you and what do you do?
I am Waweru wa Karuri an artist by profession.
How do you work?
I like to work in seclusion so as to fully concentrate on my artwork. For promotion and marketing purposes I team up with other artists.
What’s your background?
Born and raised in the highlands of Nyeri.
What’s integral to the work of an artist?
Inspiration.
What role does the artist have in society?
To educate the people and keep them focused on the things they need to do to develop themselves towards a positive direction.
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What has been a seminal experience in your career?
Getting a chance to study art at Kenyatta university, this has helped me tremendously in my growth as an artist.
How has your practice change over time?
It has became more revolutionary.
What art do you most identify with?
The expressionist kind.
What’s your strongest memory of your childhood?
Tales of the Mau Mau revolution as narrated to me by my grandparents.
What themes do you pursue?
African ancient history, social issues and nature.
What’s your favorite art work by another artist?
’Mystery of Unknown Fortune’ by Mwihungi Watetu.
Describe a real-life situation that inspired you?
The Mau Mau revolt against the white colonialists, the spirit these freedom fighters had is just inspirational.
What jobs have you done other than being an artist?
IT technician.
Why art?
I love art and know the power art has in influencing people, with art I know I can influence my people to rebel against the various thing that keep them captive.
What is an artistic outlook on life?
Life is like music, just dance to the tune.
What food, drink, song inspires you?
Food that inspires me the most is the hemp plant, so amazing how it has so many nutritional and medicinal benefits, drink that inspires me the most is the sugar cane juice, love the energy it gives, most inspirational song is ‘Rebel’ by Bob Marley.
Is the artistic life lonely? What do you do to counteract it?
Yes the artistic life is a bit lonely in the sense that the artist views life in a very different way that the majority don’t understand thus making him/her a loner to some point, however, thanks to art itself I am able to express myself and maybe bring the people close to my line of thought through the artwork I produce.
What do you dislike about the art world?
Artists trying to be like other artists instead of just being themselves.
What do you dislike about your work?
Nothing.
What do you like about your work?
The themes I pursue.
Should art be funded?
Yes.
What role does arts funding have?
To establish platforms whereby artist can showcase their various works.
What is your dream project?
Start up an art studio that would host artists whose main goal is to use art as a weapon to fight against the various forces that continue to destroy and exploit our African nation.
Name three artists you’d like to be compared to?
None, no artist can be compared to another we are all totally different.
Favourite or most inspirational place (in Kenya)?
Naivasha.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
You are unique, never compare yourself to anyone.
Professionally, what’s your goal?
To exhibit my works all over the world.
