Camo by Thandiwe Muriu

Thandiwe Muriu is a Kenyan photographer whose images immediately capture us! Vibrant is a defining word in Thandiwe’s art. Beauty is another defining word. And strong woman is the vibe.

The African artist brings all of this together to give us electrifying images of women standing tall, fully representing the African nature that is colourful, bold and beautiful as shown in the African print which fills up every single particle of space.

There are also details that capture us - many of the women in these portraits are adorned in artistically beautiful sunglasses, each of which Thandiwe crafts from recycled household staples. An eyeglass has been spun from ropes used to hang clothes to dry outside, another from sink strainers, yet another from sieves. The message is clear - these everyday tools that women use in their traditional role to take care of the home can be functional as they were meant to be, but they can also be transformed into things of beauty and pride. Women can be more than these traditional roles.

See a few of our favourite artworks below.

Find out more about Thandiwe’s work on her Instagram and website. She’s also got a book - check it out here!