With patience and an open mind, anyone can learn the art of welding. This sculptural process – the joining of metals or thermoplastics – wasn’t always considered to be a form of art, rather seen as jua kali work. After all, the process has always been a fusion of hammering and bending metals with the inclusion of a welding machine. It wasn’t until sculptures created by artist Kioko Mwitiki started to attract art investors that we began to consider this unique process a form of art. According to Kioko, “welding is like a brush. It is a means of expression that often starts from a sketch.” He is an established artist and mentor to many, and his work remains inspired by his childhood and his country.
Kioko was born in the 60s. As a young boy living in Kajiado, tradition was ingrained in him early in life. His weekends were spent herding and exploring the plains surrounding his family home. There, in his little adventures, he would come across various animals, all different, all interesting in his young mind.
Later, he enrolled at Kenyatta University where he pursued fine art. In 1985, Kioko and several other students were suspended from campus following suspicion that they were part of the Mwakenya activist group. Kioko briefly moved to Nakuru where he got a temporary job as a welding apprentice at the Nakuru Aluminium Works. It was a learning process for the art student who even made use of his work breaks, further practicing his welding technique from scrap metal available. One afternoon, a client walked into the workshop and asked to buy one of Kioko’s ‘junk’ pieces. Kioko knew then that there was an opportunity for him to start a small biashara. He eventually returned to KU and completed his degree in 1986.
When the 90s rolled in, Kioko’s metal sculptures had improved. His first larger metal pieces were inspired by the wildlife he saw as a young boy in Kajiado. With time, he used his ability to weld to communicate various issues present at the time, such as ethnic clashes, land mines and the stalled constitution reform talks. In 1994, his artistic work earned him a position within the Land Mine Project – an exhibition that toured through East Africa. This time, he delved deeper into showcasing how the second World War had affected Kenyans. By the end of 1995, Kioko’s efforts had been recognized, his art acknowledged as powerful. The following year he set out to open his first gallery and workshop – the Pimbi Art Gallery. Like most of his artwork, the gallery name was inspired by the Rock Hyrax – a small mammal prominent in the Tsavo region of Kenya.
With time and continued success, Kioko wanted to do more. He had started mentoring upcoming arts and wanted to provide a place where they could exhibit their work. Kioko acquired a space in Lavington and opened the Kioko Mwitiki Art Gallery. This gallery has elevated Kioko’s name in Kenya’s art scene. The interior that consists of plain white walls displaying framed art pieces and Kioko’s incredible sculptures is a haven of modern art.
Kioko Mwitiki – husband, father, artist, teacher, and businessman. We salute you for the work of your hands and for nurturing those that hope to follow in your footsteps.
