Cyrus Kabiru

Cyrus Kabiru
Painter, Sculptor / carver
Principal country concerned : Column : Fine arts

Cyrus Kabiru was born in Nairobi and also went to school in Nairobi. He is a self taught painter and sculptor. His studio is at the Kuona Trust in Nairobi. Cyrus is currently a painter as well as a sculptor. His paintings are often humorous portrayals of contemporary living within Kenya. Kabiru adopts the role of a flâneur, the observer, explorer, and lounger using his paintings as the output for his experiences. His sculptural work embodies his role as a "collector" of Nairobi cast offs. He works with recycled products, and his signature is the unique eye glasses that he makes with various found objects and recycled materials sourced on the streets of Nairobi. The spectacles that are elaborate and detailed sculptural works known as "C-Stunners", brought him firmly into the art scene. The work sets itself between fashion, wearable art, performance, and one of a kind commodity objects.

C-Stunners have a certain energy and playfulness that really captures the sensibility and attitude of a youth generation in Nairobi. They portray the character of the popular culture bling; they reflect the ingenuity and resourcefulness of people; the lenses provide a new filter giving a fresh perspective onto the world that we live in transforming the wearer not only in appearance but in mind frame as well. A confident artist, Kabiru is eloquent and forthright in explaining his practice and resolve to follow his own path. These ‘Afrodazzled' spectacular bifocals are entirely his own invention and are intimately linked to his life-story.

Cyrus is currently focused on a series that depicts African nature using thousands of bottle caps sewn together with wire. In August 2010 - he was awarded the Marker Faire Africa Award for Best artist innovation- thinking outside the box.

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  • Arterial network
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  • Gens de la Caraïbe
  • Groupe 30 Afrique
  • Alliance Française VANUATU
  • PACIFIC ARTS ALLIANCE
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  • Collectif 2004 Images
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  • Africiné
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