CAMO: Portrait Photography by Thandiwe Muriu | Croma/Chronicle Books
Illuminating the insight, creativity and power of the female mind, photographer Thandiwe Muriu conveys the experience of being a woman living and working in modern Kenya in her first book, “CAMO.” The immersive photographic journey is an exploration into the perception of culture and beauty and a visual telling of preserving heritage while also moving forward.
“Self Portrait” by Thandiwe Muriu (right)
Though the dizzying portraiture may lead viewers to assume they’re experiencing digitally produced optical illusions, the artfully staged photos actually marry backdrops of real African Ankara wax textiles with custom-tailored clothing and traditionally inspired headdresses of the same patterns. The hypnotic result pulls the viewer in on a quest to determine the moment of material and personal interaction. It’s the uncontrollable closeness of that examination that brings the viewer closer to the artist as well as to her message.
The underlying theme of the mesmerizing series is to empower and encourage women to both embrace their history and create their own future – a positive message that is further reflected in the African proverbs like, “With a little seed of imagination, you can grow a field of hope,” that accompany the originally crafted imagery. “CAMO” is a very personal exploration of Muriu’s own experience of emerging through the patterns of the past and creating something new and visionary in the process.
“CAMO” is available April 16, 2024. For more textile inspiration, be sure to check out our textile guide from the spring issue of aspire design and home magazine.
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