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.