Artist Profile for
KIOKO: (Metal sculpture)
Most of the metal sculptures shown in this section are creations by Kenya's famous artist Kioko Mwitiki.
The child of a Maasai father and a Kamba mother, Kioko was lucky to receive a good education at Kenyatta University in Nairobi.. Caught up in the student political demonstrations of the 80's, Kioko was dismissed from College together with many of his young compatriots. He sees this as a blessing because it set him off on the road to becoming an artist.
Subsidizing his income as a welder, he became interested in joining scrap metal and soon "saw" shapes emerge.
As a result he was invited to exhibit his unusual work and earned the praise of local and international art critics.
With a touch of humor, Kioko manages to blend elements of African culture with satire. The result is often a forceful message, a quest for cultural harmony, and play of nature. For his sculptures Kioko mostly recycles metal found at junk yards, which he refers to as "living gravesites for life".
Kioko has exhibited several times in Europe and even worked there, but his heart made him return to his native Kenya. Here, he spends much time in the bush to meditate and recharge his creative batteries. The resultant art is full of satirical philosophy, ever changing, imaginative and forceful.
Shipping cost for the metal sculptures vary. Packing and transportation to the shipping agent is provided free of charge. For a shipping cost estimate, AAC members please contact us.
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