Kenyan hyperrealism artist debuts work

Clavers Odhiambo, self taught Kenyan artist practices an intricate and detailed style of painting known as hyperrealism.

His debut showing at the Alliance Francaise in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, is a collection of 40 pieces including series on Black heroes, native Americans and the human body form.

“When I finished high school the first thing I did was to start producing more and more art and trying to get my tune to see where I fall best.”

Hyperrealism art means painting to achieve the same level of accuracy that one would see in a photograph or even real life.

Odhiambo has been creating hyperrealistic pieces for four years – learning from You Tube and other artists’ work. “Art is a viable career and so is poetry, so is music, I mean it is something that inspires everyone who is and who intends to be active in this scene….so each exhibition has that impact, so does each music performance or each spoken word performance. It works so for every scope of work.

His work is slowly attracting foreign buyers looking to invest in African art.

“I bought two pieces actually, firstly because they are exceptional, they are really beautiful and Clavers has an amazing way of capturing old faces with so much beauty and wisdom….but besides that I also felt it was important to support the young African artist who is doing exceptional work,” said Kendi Mijue, one of the visitors to the exhibition.

Odhiambo said he wants to inspire young people to pursue various art forms and expect success if they work hard at it.

“fiona_theartist: WanjeriNderu yes i did… There he is #FionART cc Pontifex pic.twitter.com/at25uBlj7d" needs work

— Clavers Odhiambo (ClaversOdhiambo) December 11, 2015