Joseph Munyao Mutuku
Sophisticated
2021
H 120 x W 100 cm
Acrylic, oil on canvas
Unique
Joseph Munyao Mutuku’s work presents a developing voice of wild obsession, merging different colors and figurative subjects within wild or chilled environments to evoke a certain mood. The subjects, shapes, lines, colors, tones, and textures are used in various ways to produce sensations of volume, space, movement. The work’s earthy tones and geometric motifs evoke a sense of rootedness in African heritage, while its playful staging adds to the artist’s personal feelings expressed through the work. Evoking multi-layered emotions in a single painting, animal, plants and colors play a critical role to bring the work to life.
The work is created uniquely for Design Trust Charity Benefit 2025 at Murray House, Stanley Plaza responding to the historic site and curatorial theme of the exhibition. The work has been auctioned off during the Charity Auction on March 22nd 2025 and creatively loaned by the generous bidder for Design Trust Charity Exhibition: Transformational Exceptions.
About Joseph Munyao Mutuku
Joseph Munyao Mutuku is a talented photographer from Kenya. His surreal figurative paintings blur the lines between reality and imagination. Through his unique artistic vision, Mutuku captures not only the physical qualities of his subjects but also their personalities, blending together elements of technique, colour, pattern, and various objects to convey the essence of the individuals he portrays. His artworks offer a surreal glimpse into the inner worlds of his subjects, where physical appearance intertwines with imagined representations of their personalities. Each painting is a fusion of multiple parts captured in a photoshoot, meticulously assimilated into a cohesive whole. Through his creative process, he seeks to transcend traditional portraiture, inviting viewers to explore the complexities of human identity and perception.
