Camo
Camo, by photographer Thandiwe Muriu, is the first publication to chronicle the work of this international artist, celebrating the vibrant portraits she creates that combine cultural textiles and beauty ideologies. Muriu takes us on a colorful, reflective journey through her world as a woman living in modern Kenya as she reinterprets contemporary African portraiture.
As the sole woman operating in the male-dominated advertising photography industry in Kenya, Thandiwe Muriu has repeatedly confronted questions around the role of women in society, the place of tradition, and her own self-perception. These experiences inspired her personal project of cultural reflection: the Camo series. Camo was the catalyst for her to push new boundaries in her photography, leading her into a deeply personal artistic journey.
The compelling, fully saturated photographs in this collection confront issues surrounding identity while seeking to redefine female empowerment through Muriu’s choice of materials. These constructed images are not digital manipulations but physical sets that incorporate African Ankara wax textiles as backdrops and custom-tailored clothing and headdresses. At the forefront of her practice is using textiles to make her subjects disappear and serve as a canvas for reflection on the question of identity and its evolution over time. Muriu also consistently reimagines common objects associated with the daily lives of Kenyans into bold accessories donned by her subjects. These objects range from hairpins to the mosquito-repellent coils she grew up using. In Kenya, an object can have multiple uses beyond its original purpose; as Muriu explains, “When you have little, you transform and reuse it.”
Throughout the book, each image is paired with an inspirational African proverb in both English and Swahili, expressing the collected wisdom of generations that continue to inspire. Proverbs such as "With a little seed of imagination, you can grow a field of hope" convey the uplifting spirit of Muriu's work that empowers women, preserves tradition, and celebrates African beauty and culture.
A visually stunning art book and cultural touchstone, Camo is a collectible treasure as the first book to showcase the work of a rising star in the worlds of photography and art.
Author: Thandiwe Muriu
Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Chronicle Chroma
Published: 04/16/2024
Pages: 224
Weight: 3.62lbs
Size: 12.15h x 9.25w x 1.01d
ISBN: 9781797230016
Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 02/05/2024
About the Author
Thandiwe Muriu, born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, discovered photography at age fourteen, experimenting with her father's old Nikon camera. Self-taught, she immersed herself in books and video tutorials, learning from every resource she could find, as Kenya did not have any formal photography schools. By age seventeen, she was working professionally, and by twenty-three had shot her first solo advertising campaign. By 2019, she was photographing campaigns for some of the largest companies in East Africa. Since then she has received multiple commissions for collaborations with brands such as Apple, Dior, and Lavazza. Muriu has exhibited her work internationally and has been featured in numerous publications and on television.
Couldn't load pickup availability
Pickup available at Midland, TX
Usually ready in 24 hoursShipping Information
Orders are typically processed and shipped within 2-3 business days.
We are currently not shipping internationally.
We are not resposible for any delays due to the carrier due to location, time of year, and weather.
Customer Support
Please contact info@boscpapersupply.com with any questions or concerns. We typically respond within 24 hours.
FAQ’s
Do you accept returns?
Yes, please contact info@boscpapersupply.com within 21 days of purchase to exchange or refund your order.
Item(s) must be unused and returned in the same condition that you received it.
Only regular priced items may be exchanged or returned, sale items are final.
You will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item unless approved otherwise by our customer service rep. Shipping costs are non-refundable. If you receive a refund, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund.
What happens if I receive a damaged item?
We take great care in packaging your order and if we make a mistake, we want to correct it immediately. Please notify us as soon as possible at info@boscpapersupply.com to resolve the issue.
Can I order books through Bosc?
Yes, please email info@boscpapersupply.com with the title of the book you are wanting to order and we will let you know if we are able to order it for you.
Contact Us
Email us at info@boscpapersupply.com for any questions, comments, or suggestions.