A number of doctoral dissertations could be written (and probably have been) about African hair and its cultural significance. For centuries, bouncy, naturally coiled, thick curls have been shaped, dyed, decorated with shells and jewelry pieces, twisted into braids, felted into dreadlocks, made longer with extensions, or formed into beautiful, elaborate, sculpture-like structures, which we could see in the iconic black and white photographs by J. D. Ojejekere.
The contemporary Kenyan photographer Kibe Nduni seems to be continuing the tradition of his famous Nigerian predecessor. However, he departs from the classic black and white typologies to introduce color. Lots and lots of intense color. His compositions echo bright, vibrant, and joyful tones, which perfectly correspond with the atmosphere and colors of contemporary Kenya. In the colonial period, the British colonizers in the country fought against traditional hairstyles: men were ordered to have their hair cut short, women were recommended to style their hair modestly, and for having dreadlocks one could end up in custody as a potential ‘terrorist’ from the Mau Mau liberation movement. The postcolonial norms lasted long after winning independence. But as Nduni notes, traditional extravagant hairstyles are paving back their way to fashion and are contemporarily remixed in the intercultural, globalized styles that are worn with pride today.
Kibe Nduni is a photographer based in Kenya. His work focuses on using colors and light to evoke emotions. He captures modern-day Africa and his photographs reflect his immediate surroundings. In his artistic practice, he seeks to create a new African narrative that is an accurate depiction of both his own experiences and those of the people around him. His protagonists – often young Africans – serve as a reference to his youth and growing up in ever-changing Africa, when simultaneously he experiments with different ways of storytelling.
In 2022, his photography project Mukamiti Era 2060, created in collaboration with a stylist and models, was presented in ‘Nataal Media,’ a global media brand that celebrates contemporary African art.
His art is a place of wonder and imagination that invites viewers into his world.
© Kibe Nduni
© Kibe Nduni
As everywhere else in the world, young people in Sub-Saharan Africa also invent strategies to express their identity and individual freedom. And like in many other countries, they are often forced to negotiate their values and ambitions with a conservative society, shaped by traditional convictions about lifestyle, family, or gender. A thoughtfully created extravagant image often becomes a tool of rebellion against tradition and a means of self-expression.
The studio where William Malawi photographs his visitors is a peculiar laboratory of fluid identities. Everyone and anyone can be whoever they want to be there. The place offers full freedom from traditional constraints and restrictions. Crazy stylizations make it possible to transcend gender identities at one’s will, and fancy accessories and gadgets can turn a person into a famous athlete, superhero(ine), or alien. Through the accumulation of images, bright colors, and unrestrained freedom of style choices, the photography project by William Malawi becomes a perfect metaphor for the mosaic structure of contemporary identities. Every single colorful tile hides someone’s idea of their own self, their desires, and dreams. By granting his models complete freedom of expression, the artist creates an asylum of freedom, a space to experiment with beautiful utopias that may soon translate into reality.
William Malawi is a Kenyan-American self-taught photographer, stylist, and artist, currently based in Pennsylvania. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Pennsylvania State University. He is known for his vibrant and intimate portraiture which boldly embraces experimentation with colors, while employing minimalism to create captivating images. Malawi’s artistic philosophy revolves around evoking emotions rather than seeking outright adoration or criticism for his creations.
© William Malawi
© William Malawi
© Wiliam Malawi
