Circle Art Auction 2015 Lot 3 Michael Wafula

Michael Wafula (Kenyan, born 1972)
Political Affiliation, 2015
Signed ‘Michael Wafula 15’ (lower left)
Mixed media on canvas
84 x 64 cm

Ksh 110,000-150,000
(US$ 1,000-1,365)
Sold Ksh 469,600

Provenance: direct from the artist

Michael Wafula uses the texture of painting to look at the textural fabric of society. Coloured layers are dented and cracked, revealing evidence of a harsh environment.

The composition of this piece symbolizes the heavy burden that society carries for investing their hopes and dreams in leaders who become predators on their own people.

After receiving a diploma in Painting and Graphic Design from the Creative Art Centre Nairobi, in 1992, Wafula joined the Kuona Trust Museum Art Studio. Alongside his own practice, in 2007 Wafula founded the Kijiji Art Studio where he runs youth and community art training.

Wafula’s considered and critical paintings have been exhibited locally and abroad in Kenya, Tanzania, Spain, Italy and China and most recently in a travelling exhibition in San Francisco, USA.