#KeArtists – Maryann Muthoni
If Maryann Muthoni’s journey in art could be described in one word, it would be this: adventure. Starting during her days at Loreto Convent Valley Road, she would spend her classes doodling at school, creating comics with her blue ballpoint pen. Mathematics and all the other subjects could never bring her to life in the way her Art and Crafts class did. Thus, began her voyage to becoming one of the +254’s greatest mosaic artists.
Fortunately, Maryann was nurtured in a family where art was embraced. Her grandfather was a photographer, his camera rarely far from him. Her cousins were also involved in visual art and architecture. It was encouraging to know that she too would be one of the family artists. Sadly, at South Tetu Girls High School art wasn’t prioritized and she had to compromise her passion for what was available. She settled on Home Science, focusing on the agriculture classes the school provided. But even with this temporary confinement, Maryann found her silver lining – the flowers in the school garden. She started a new endeavor that entailed creating flowers out of manila and cards. It was more for herself and the work was her delight. Her artistic outlet. Soon these little beauties she created were a must for the Home Science class events.
In 1999, met with financial restraints, Maryann couldn’t progress to college. She remained restless, painting windows for Christmas festivities in Kiambu before gaining the confidence to paint in the Nairobi CBD and eventually uptown, to the Westlands area. The more experience she got under her belt, the greater her paintings became, and, the more money she earned. The income saved enabled her to commence her study at The Creative Arts Center.
Maryann had become a sharp-witted artist in rising. She balanced her studies while starting a small face-painting business where she would adorn the faces of event-goers with vibrant colors and various doodles. Ever the artistic adventurer, Maryann’s face-painting gave way to pottery and ceramic design at Kazuri, where she continued to flourish for a time until murals began to lure her in. She didn’t know it then but this pursuit would be her focus for the best part of her artistic career.
A partnership with SANAA Kenya allowed Maryann to paint large scenes on walls, helped her better her ability to paint and form networks with other artists involved with the NGO. The experience her allowed Maryann to engage with communities in different parts of Kenya and allowed her to create awareness, through art, among the youth about HIV. More than 100 murals came to life by her hand. And from here, Maryann transitioned into an independent and established consulting artist. Matured and with a stronger sense of confidence, the clients came to Maryann one by one.
The majestic mosaics found at the Two Rivers Mall are the biggest commission she has undertaken thus far. Maryann Muthoni’s brazenness can be spotted from miles away, and today with her company, Kueneza Arts Ltd., she remains grateful for her journey, the lessons she has learnt, and is excited for what lays ahead of her. She encourages us to use our superpowers to communicate or give back to the community.
