Patrick Mukabi

Biography

Born in Nairobi, Kenya in 1969, I am the fourth of seven children. Although I initially pursued graphic design, I eventually returned to my first love: the fine arts. I am primarily a painter, working mostly with acrylic on canvas. My main artistic focus is the human figure, whether in painting or drawing. My creative process is quite transparent each layer remains visible to the observant viewer. My subjects are inspired by everyday life, particularly the activities of women. These are individuals I encounter daily, whether in domestic settings or engaged in small-scale businesses, often along the roadside. Through my work, I aim to highlight the positive aspects of life. I believe that although everyone faces challenges, we don’t always wear our struggles on our faces. Sometimes, I explore a subject through a series of paintings, presenting it from different perspectives or angles. In the past two years, I’ve added a new dimension to my practice by painting from live models in a series I call Cover Girls. This series features women with fuller figures ordinary women rather than professional models who embrace their bodies and beauty, even if they may never appear on the cover of a magazine. In addition to painting, I have also produced and exhibited video art. I strongly believe that art should connect with the general public and become a part of their daily lives.