Peterson Kamwathi

Artist biography:

Born: 1980, Nairobi, Kenya

Peterson Kamwathi studied 2D and 3D animation at the Shang Tao Media Arts College, Nairobi, Kenya.

As one of Kenya's best-regarded emerging artists, Kamwathi is becoming an established name in contemporary African art. His work combines clear conceptual elements and rich content with technical mastery. His main body of work has been rooted in printmaking and his mastery of the woodcut process. More recently, he has broadened his oeuvre through the creation of several mixed media series, which have culminated in his deeply moving and almost epic 'Sitting Allowance' installation, which documents the grim realities of the bungled 2007-2008 Kenyan elections. His work has featured in numerous international solo and group exhibitions.

Peterson Kamwathi lives and works in Nairobi, Kenya.

Artist Statement:
'Kadhis' Court III is one part of an on-going series of drawings attempting to interrogate the symbolisms around the three main contentious clauses in the new Kenyan constitution. These clauses are 'the family clause', 'the right to life clause'and 'the Kadhis' courts clause'. These clauses constituted the main areas of division during the recently concluded Kenyan Constitutional Referendum of August 2010. Globally, most contemporary societies are grappling with the role of faith in governance, the description of the family unit and the place/description of life and abortion within specific societies. Similarly, the three clauses in the new Kenyan constitution tackle these aspects.

In the Kadhis' courts drawings I have attempted to depict Christian and Muslim clergy, standing behind a 'veil' of the actual wording in the Kadhis' courts clause and also the symbols that have emerged as a result of the debate around this issue. This was an issue of concern to both faiths.'