Daniel Githua Kamau

An accomplished visual artist on a mission to inspire the next generation through his art.

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Daniel Githua Kamau is a full-time visual and graphic artist based in Ruiru, Kenya. His artistic journey began in childhood, captivated by cartoons and anything artistic, which he would diligently attempt to replicate. As he learned to read and write, his exposure to international magazines at home, particularly their art columns, deepened his interest. He spent countless hours copying images from these publications.

An early milestone was winning an art competition he discovered in the Sunday Nation newspaper while in class four. His victory earned his school a voucher for materials from the KIWI Shoe Polish Company. Despite this early success, art was not part of the formal school curriculum. This pattern continued into high school, where he had no opportunity to study art formally, though he remained the designated illustrator for classroom blackboards, a skill recognized by both peers and teachers.

His artistic path was further inspired by learning of his family’s own creative talents; both an uncle and his mother, who studied art in the late sixties, were skilled artists. Recognizing his inherent passion and talent, Daniel eventually enrolled in a three-year diploma program in art.

A cubist and abstract painter by style, Daniel graduated and built a career as a graphic artist, working for a manufacturing factory and later an advertising firm. While working, he continued to participate in various art competitions and exhibitions, though he faced significant challenges, primarily a lack of time for creating and preparing artwork.

He ultimately made the decision to dedicate himself fully to his art and has been a professional full-time artist ever since. Daniel is now a proactive and results-oriented professional with over sixteen years of broad experience in the art world. He has worked with clients and individuals from diverse cultures and is skilled in character building, development, and initiating self-sustaining projects.

Academic and Professional Journey:

• KCPE Certificate (1991)
• KCSE Certificate (1995)
• National Youth Service Alumni (1996)
• Kenya Defense Forces Alumni (1997)
• Fine and Commercial Art Diploma (1999)
• Counselling Psychology/Theology Higher National Diploma (2002)

Current Role: Visual Artist at Githua Art.

Exhibition History: Daniel has participated in numerous prestigious art shows and exhibitions, selling work and winning awards at venues including:

• Kenya National Museum
• Alliance Française
• Goethe Institute
• Sarit Center / Sanaa Art
• Village Market
• Strathmore University
• Ole Sereni Hotel
• International School of Kenya
• Art Mtaani

Perspective on Industry Challenges: Daniel identifies several key challenges within the local art scene:

• A lack of year-round art activities and a stable art market.
• Limited and often brief exhibition opportunities.
• The proliferation of synthetic art lacking originality.
• The absence of a supportive national art policy.
• A very small number of art schools, which are often cost-prohibitive.
• A general lack of exposure for artists.

Goals: His goal is to become an established and accomplished artist, inspiring the next generation to see that one can build a decent and successful life through art. He ultimately aims to establish an art academy to help unlock the dormant creativity within future generations.