WANGARI MATHENGE

I choose Wangari Mathenge because her art is different. It’s immaculate! Also, her painting speaks to me. Her painting shows the pain, stress, and challenges black women go through. 

Where is WANGARI MATHENGE from?

Mathenge was born and raised in Kenya. Then she moved to American to study drawing. She currently lives in Chicago and uses her own struggle in her inspiration in her painting. 

Does Mathenge only do Art?

She doesn’t only do drawing. She is a lawyer and an entrepreneur.  Mathenge graduated from Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, D.C.  She also studied   Business and Economic Law. Mathenge got an MFA degree. Which I didn’t know you could do!

Why is WANGARI MATHENGE a strong artist?

Her paintings interact with you without using words. Mathenge draws about things she goes through she puts it like a portrait  

She even draws self-portraits. Which I can never do.  Mathenge’s drawing is deeper than you think.  She thinks of problems and she even thinks about different ways to solve that problem. 

What makes us black folks stronger?

Wangeri Mathenge faces a lot of challenges. Being a black woman in America is not easy and you have to work ten times hard to get opportunities. She is the first generation from her family to go to America to chase her dreams, which is not easy because that is a big sacrifice. Not a lot of people can do that. It is especially how women are always criticized for chasing their goals. It’s like society wants women just to be a housewife. And DEPEND on someone else to help financially

Supplication in Alabaster

This painting is telling me don’t forget where you come from just because society discredits you. You shouldn’t lose yourself. Don’t be a shame where you come from because some people don’t know where they come from and that’s sad. You are fortunate to know your roots. Keep your head high.Take time for yourself.  It’s okay to be different. You don’t have to be normal because if you are always trying to be normal you won’t know how amazing you can be .

How can we use this painting in today’s  society? 

Just taking time to know about art. It might be tedious. You will get to learn about other people that might have the same stories as you. You can also get inspired by other people’s paintings.  Wangari Methenge She was a different artist. I chose her because she came from Africa and she was not like everybody else. Right we live in the rights of black lives matter but her art is representing that.