The Politics of Art - Display of Prints by Peterson Kamwathi

World Museum Liverpool is displaying five prints by Kenyan artist, Peterson Kamwathi, from 26th June 2009.

The series of five woodcut prints, on display in the museum’s World Cultures gallery, explore events in Kenya’s recent political history.

The prints tackle the issues surrounding proposed changes to Kenya’s constitution, which were rejected by the people in a national referendum in 2005. The referendum led to increased distrust of the political process and contributed to the violence that followed the 2007 presidential elections.

Each print centres round the image of a bull, which represents the Kenyan nation. The motifs that cover their bodies refer to the issues and political symbols that have been prevalent in Kenyan society in recent years.

Peterson Waweru Kamwathi

Born in Nairobi in 1980, Kamwathi began practicing at the Kuona Trust and Museum Art Studio. He has exhibited internationally and is considered one of Kenya’s best regarded young artists.

Kamwathi says about his work:

“I view myself as a part of my society and as such I’m accountable to the society. Being an artist, this society extends beyond my immediate environment to include the world. In my work I strive to address and document issues that affect and impact my country, my continent and now the planet.”

World Museum Liverpool William Brown Street, Liverpool Admission FREE
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