Handcrafted
Oil Paintings
Based in Tanzania
I am known for my unique mixture of African fauvism, abstract painting and contemporary style. I’m a self-taught artist who grew up practicing and enjoying painting in my hometown of Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. My breakthrough was due to inspiration and encouragement from my friends and other major Tanzanian artists. Mentors who helped me develop my own painting style were painters like Mohamed Raza and his son.
My painting technique employs a combination of oil and acrylic colors, using both fine brushes and pallet knives. For me, art is all about color. I use color to depict feelings… of people, landscapes, animals. Anything I want to express has a color. I try to reflect the innate beauty of my country by capturing the glint of a dhow on the Indian Ocean, the shriek of birds and other animals on the savannah, the conversations of market women.
My grandfather was a drummer and traditional dancer and still today, I am most inspired to paint when I listen to traditional African music. I also like to listen to people talking and paint their conversations. Even if I can’t understand their language, it is the tune of their voices that gives me ideas for paintings.
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Achievements:
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In 2002 my artwork was commissioned by a Belgian company in Kampala, Uganda
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In 2002 my work was selected as part of a group exhibition in Arpurha, Finland
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In 2004 Some of my paintings were featured in an African Art Festival in Rome, Italy
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Several paintings were selected for the Government State House in Dar es Salaam
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My paintings have been featured in galleries and shows in Finland, Sweden, Germany, Netherlands, Denmark and Norway
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In 2008, I had a solo exhibition—my American debut—at U Space Gallery in Atlanta, Georgia. I also held several painting workshops while visiting the United States
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In the last 20 years my work has been exhibited in neighboring countries—in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and South Africa
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My goal is to continue to develop my style and get more exposure for my work in other countries. I hope to use my skill and creativity to teach younger art lovers and build cultural exchanges with people of different nationalities. It brings me great joy when patrons are happy with my work and hang my paintings on their walls.