Cyprian kiswili a. K.a The kharsh Art is an illustrator, designer, contemporary painter and a portrait artist. He also does a special kind of art called Mathogothanio art which involves scribbling. He has a huge social media following and I talked to him about his life and art
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What are your full names?
Cyprian Kiswili.
Where were you born and raised?
I was born in Machakos, but grew up in Gachie and Ruaka.
I was born in Machakos, but grew up in Gachie and Ruaka.
So when did you start doing art?
I started drawing aged only 5 when i got my first pencils, i would scribble stuff everywhere.
I started drawing aged only 5 when i got my first pencils, i would scribble stuff everywhere.
When did it start getting serious?
I got serious with my art back in high school. This is when i sold my ever first art piece. This hugely I motivated me and from then, i started creating constantly.
I got serious with my art back in high school. This is when i sold my ever first art piece. This hugely I motivated me and from then, i started creating constantly.
For how much did you sell it for?
It was a canvas painting. I sold it to a teacher at kshs 2,000. Haha..
It was a canvas painting. I sold it to a teacher at kshs 2,000. Haha..
Do you do art full time or do you have another occupation?
I am a student. So besides studies, art is all I do.
I am a student. So besides studies, art is all I do.
What do you major in and in what institution?
I am taking BA Design at The University of Nairobi. Currently a third year student.
Which are your mediums or art categories?
I am am an illustrator, designer, contemporary painter and portrait artist. My favorite media is acrylic paints so i guess that shifts my priority to painting. I also enjoy working with graphite and charcoal i.e in creating portraits.
I am am an illustrator, designer, contemporary painter and portrait artist. My favorite media is acrylic paints so i guess that shifts my priority to painting. I also enjoy working with graphite and charcoal i.e in creating portraits.
Which art medium would you like to pursue but haven't?
Oils. I admire works from local oil-base artists. Graffiti cans too is another. I'm hoping to try it out this year.
Oils. I admire works from local oil-base artists. Graffiti cans too is another. I'm hoping to try it out this year.
What message do you try to communicate in your paintings?
Every piece of my work comes with its soul. Most of my works however, speak on culture-appreciation, peace and originality.
Every piece of my work comes with its soul. Most of my works however, speak on culture-appreciation, peace and originality.
What challenges do you face as an artist?
As a young artist, growing your brand and creation of an own style takes some time and it isn't easy. The other challenge I'd point out is few art platforms. I believe this can be improved if the local population appreciate art more.
What's your view on the Chorwa platform?
I think it is an excellent idea by such a selfless individual. In the current world, you dont oftenly expect people to be this supportive and expect nothing in return. We can only wish nothing but blessings to all involved in its running. Continue supporting the local art scene Steve and your co.
Who do you look upto in the art scene?
Internationally, Austrian painter Voka while locally I am inspired by painter Yegon and artist Elsardt Kigen.
Internationally, Austrian painter Voka while locally I am inspired by painter Yegon and artist Elsardt Kigen.
What advice would you give any upcoming artist?
Simple; Keep practising and always strive for originality. Never forget to always talk to God on this gift he has given you.
Simple; Keep practising and always strive for originality. Never forget to always talk to God on this gift he has given you.
Okay, finally, which would you say was your best art piece and why?
Thats a hard choice. But i'll settle on my painting titled 'market day' it was an experiment of an original style and i was shocked by the tremendous love it got from people. It sold barely two weeks old in an exhibition at The Nairobi Museum.
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Cyprian is featured on Chorwa Arts.
Chorwa Arts is a marketing platform for artists and art lovers. We are a talented team of artists dealing with various art mediums ranging from animation, paintings, pencil arts, biro arts etc. Find us on Facebook :Chorwa Art Page, Instagram :@chorwa_art or www.chorwa.co.ke.
