Catherine Mwangi working on a portrait during the ongoing art exhibition at the Kenya National Library Nakuru Branch. Photo/Pristone Mambili
Art in Kenya has always been widely perceived as a male-dominated field.
There are a number of women who are involved in art across the country but due to several challenges, they are not recognized in the society.
For instance, Catherine Mwangi, an artist in Nakuru has been involved in various fine artist works such as paintings.
When I met her at the ongoing three months art exhibition at the Kenya National Library Nakuru Branch, she said art is her passion.
‘Cathy arts’ as she is best known by her customers, is an expert in portraits, African arts among other art work.
“I am a fine artist and I normally sign under my work as Cathy arts. I do portraits, African arts and any other paintings that a customer would want,” she said.
To prove that indeed she is an expert in the sector, Cathy as we proceed with our conversation, works on a customer's piece of work.
But art like any other profession has challenges.
According to Cathy the major challenge is how to get her products to the market.
Materials such as paints and others are very expensive.
“The major challenge is how to get to sell your products. We also have an issue with the materials," she said.
Howeveer, it is not all gloom and doom.
"My advice to the ladies is that art pays and all it needs is dedication and commitment,” she says.