Laura De Rosa Thandiwe Muriu's photographs explore the complex dynamics of female identity, incorporating fabrics and objects commonly used in Kenya, the country where she comes from.
@Thandiwe Muriu/Instagram
Thandiwe Muriu was only 14 years old when she fell in love with photography, experimenting with her father’s old Nikon camera. While other girls her age focused on household chores, she preferred changing tires, fixing objects, and, naturally, taking photographs. From an early age, she displayed a keen curiosity and an independent spirit that would guide her far beyond her beginnings.
Self-taught, she launched her professional career at just 17 and landed her first advertising campaign by the age of 23. Her images, vibrant and hypnotic, might appear digitally manipulated, but they are pure photography—except for minor retouching—featuring a masterful composition of colors, patterns, and textures.
Her art draws heavily on everyday elements: fabrics, household objects, and common materials are transformed into visual symbols of strength and identity. Fabrics hold a central role in her work, representing not only the rich cultural heritage of Africa but also serving as a means to explore female empowerment and the complex dynamics of identity.
The role of women in society is a subject close to her heart, especially as the only active female photographer in Kenya’s traditionally male-dominated advertising industry. Her series Camo, her first major work, emerged from reflections on female identity and its evolution over time. It stands as a vibrant tribute to African women, portrayed with strength, autonomy, and modernity through an original reinterpretation of contemporary portraiture.
Her talent has earned her exhibitions at prestigious international venues and collaborations with major brands, including Lavazza, for which she created one of the famous Lavazza Calendars. Her works are also part of numerous public and private collections, such as the Gandur Foundation in Switzerland, the UHODA Collection in Belgium, and the Pigozzi Contemporary African Art Collection.
Often, Thandiwe Muriu’s photographs draw inspiration from African proverbs, demonstrating a deep connection to her homeland. This is the case with a photo included in the Lavazza 2024 Calendar, inspired by a meaningful proverb:
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
This piece is inspired by another proverb:
“It is not important what they call you, but how you respond.”
Thandiwe explains that Kenyans are accustomed to using creativity to face everyday challenges. To reflect this ingenious attitude, she chose to incorporate a pair of glasses made from a simple nylon rope in the shot. This humble object is extremely versatile in local culture: the same rope can be used to hang laundry, hold up curtains, or adapt to countless other uses, transforming as needed.
Finally, we chose this hypnotic portrait inspired by the proverb:
“He who is destined for power does not need to struggle to obtain it.”
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