About the artwork

In her series Camo, Thandiwe Muriu draws on the slick aesthetics of fashion photography, to reinterpret contemporary African portraiture. These bright, playful images immerse her models in colourful textures (sourced from Nairobi’s street markets) until they simultaneously disappear into the background and burst from the frame.

Exploring how individuals lose their identities to culture, Muriu reclaims the self-love of the African woman, who is often excluded from beauty standards in her own country.

Camo was commissioned by Photo Australia and the Metro Tunnel Creative Program for PHOTO 2022.

About the artist

Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, photographer Thandiwe Muriu is passionate about celebrating and empowering her fellow women.

PHOTO 2022 is an international photography biennial taking place in galleries and public spaces across Melbourne and regional Victoria. Visit the PHOTO 2022 website for more details.

Photography by Kit Edwards.