KENYA'S Suzanne Njeri Tetu :: Artist
ARTIST'S NOTE: "Midnight Sun" by Suzanne Njeri Tetu in collaboration with Robert Daniels (2011) size 16x20 acryllic on canvas. This painting is inspired by the deep south. The figure of a faceless, well-dressed woman looking for her son (sun), who has been lynched, in the moonlight. You will see Pandora's Box, indicative of the onslaught of evil that came out of the peculiar institution of slavery.
I mixed acrylic paint with a fresco texturizing gel to give the painting an antiquated, sandy appearance. The colors, brown/rust/gold induce an earthy feel as a reminder that we are made from dust and to the dust we will return.
The title is taken from a favorite poem "The Cremation of Sam McGee" by Robert W. Service...("there are strange things done in the midnight sun by the men who moil for gold").
I did this piece with my art mentor Bob Daniels. I started the painting and mailed it to NY where he embellished it. This piece is very dear to my heart.
Suzanne Njeri Tetu
Biography
Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, Suzanne Njeri Tetu has been involved in both the visual and performing arts since early childhood. Suzanne moved to the United States in the mid- 90s to pursue her creative talents and goals. A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College and New York Film Academy, Suzanne enjoys all forms of artistic expressionism, including painting, creative writing, poetry and dance.
Artist Statement
I believe that physical expression/creation of art will create positive change, empowerment and healing within an individual and, consequently, outwardly towards their community. As a professional artist I use my work to raise awareness of both personal and social issues of identity (culture specific and global), and the values of heritage and faith. I depict distressing emotion, pain and suffering in my work as well as sensuality, and joy through my use of color and free-spirited techniques.
In 2011 to the present, I have been exploring abstract painting, with an emphasis on the use of black and white and limited color in addition to continuing one of my favorite topic…portraiture. In 2011 I did several collaborations with my art mentors and creative heroes Robert Daniels, Curtis Grayson III and Larry Poncho Brown.
My goal is to grow intellectually and creatively along my lifelong journey as an artist and developing a strong body of work. I hope to inspire and teaching others, as I have been inspired, to release and take pleasure in their own creative energies. I love showing work and am greatly moved when people find pleasure in my creations and take it into their homes to become a part of their lives. This is most rewarding.
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