“If something hurtful enters your body, you create something beautiful to protect yourself from it. That’s my philosophy.” – Wangechi Mutu.
These poignant words from Wangechi Mutu encapsulate the essence of her artistic journey. Her unparalleled ability to blend film, music, and art sets her apart. She creates a realm where boundaries fade and creativity thrives.
Living and working in New York during the early 2000s, Wangechi Mutu faced her fair share of challenges and triumphs. Perhaps, contrary to expectations, she navigated the art world with grace and determination. Her artistic odyssey represents a continuous rebirth, a metamorphosis that echoes in her evolving, profound works. Through the exploration of diverse mediums and styles, she unlocks the potential for visual stimulation resonating with her ever-growing audience.
Her exhibition, “Intertwined,” features Wangechi’s remarkable work from the late 90s to the present day. This showcase allowed viewers to delve deep into the artist’s soul. She unravels the intricate tapestry of her experiences, emotions, and visions.
Transitioning from her earlier works to the present, Wangechi’s art has undergone an awe-inspiring transformation. The raw intensity of her earlier pieces metamorphosed into a refined, mesmerizing body of work that draws viewers into a world of mystique and profound contemplation. Each stroke of her brush or frame of her film emanates energy, guiding observers through a labyrinth of emotions and thoughts.
Throughout her artistic evolution, Wangechi Mutu never shied away from pushing boundaries and defying conventions. Embracing diverse mediums like painting, sculpture, and collage, she breaks free from constraints, crafting immersive experiences for her audience. With every piece, she builds a fortress of beauty, warding off the hurtful elements that life throws her way.
Wangechi’s unique ability to interlace different forms of expression gives her art a multidimensional quality. She becomes the conductor of a symphony, orchestrating harmonious blends of sight and sound, taking viewers on a journey beyond the confines of traditional artistic paradigms.
The exhibition “Intertwined” serves as a time capsule, reflecting the artist’s evolution over the years. From her early works inspired by African heritage and the female form to her later pieces that transcend cultural boundaries, Wangechi Mutu’s art speaks of a profound exploration of self and society.
As visitors strolled through the exhibition, they witnessed the eloquence of Wangechi’s storytelling. Each piece unveils a unique chapter of her life’s narrative, enveloping observers in a world of contemplation and introspection. The synergy between film, music, and art creates a multisensory experience that leaves an indelible imprint on the soul.
Image courtesy of The New Museum
The themes explored in her art, such as identity, femininity, and social issues, resonate universally, transcending geographical and cultural barriers. Wangechi’s ability to foster empathy through her art bridges the gap between diverse communities, fostering conversations that spark change and inspire collective growth.
Wangechi Mutu’s ‘Intertwined’ ushered in the high season in the US with more and more African artists’ work presented at major art fairs. “Intertwined,” the recent exhibition featuring her works, allowed audiences to delve into the depths of her creative soul, discovering the beauty born from the embrace of hurtful elements. As Wangechi’s art evolves, it carries the viewer along, guiding them through an ever-changing landscape of emotions and perspectives. With each stroke of her brush, she weaves a protective tapestry
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