Matter of Record, Peterson Kamwathi's first solo show in London, brings together works from the last four years.
Peterson Kamwathi, born in Nairobi, combines clear conceptual elements and rich content with technical mastery. Created in response to specific national and global socio-economic and political phenomena, his main body of work has been in printmaking where he is an acknowledged master of the woodcut process as well as also expanding his oeuvre to create several series of charcoal and mixed media works. A substantial portion of his work has been concerned with the iconography and process of the first Kenyan constitutional referendum 2005 which he explored through the medium of woodcut, as well as the botched 2007 Kenyan General Elections that brought the country to the brink of civil war.
The works are devoid of narcissism. Kamwathi's motivation flows from a sense of belonging and duty to his society and wider humanity and the world. Artist in the tradition of story teller, as recorder, questioner and harbinger.
“I view myself as a part of my society and as such I’m accountable to the society. Being an artist in this society extends beyond my immediate environment to include the world. In my work I strive to address and document issues that affect and impact my country, my continent and now the planet.” - Kamwathi