About
The Artist
Wawīra is a self-taught multidisciplinary artist from Central Kenya, based in Northern California. Her practice spans painting, wearable art, face and body painting, storytelling and community arts education.
Drawing from African traditions, natural landscapes, ancestral knowledge and her experience as an immigrant navigating multiple cultural worlds, she explores identity, belonging and our relationship with one another and the natural world.
Her work centers people of color and historically marginalized communities, creating inclusive spaces where creativity fosters connection, reflection and healing. It has been exhibited in the United States, Kenya and France.
For 15 years, Wawīra has partnered with the Cheza Nami Foundation across the Bay Area, designing culturally rooted arts programs for children, youth and families.
Participation is central. Rather than separating artist and audience, she invites people into the creative process, building connection across generations and cultures.
A practice rooted in community
Wearable art & adornment
For over a decade, Wawīra has designed stage costumes for reggae artist Rocky Dawuni and his singers. Her wearable work was featured at the MOAD Gift Shop in San Francisco in 2019.
She also offers African-inspired face painting for all ages, using water-based, non-toxic paints. For her, adornment is never simply decorative: it celebrates identity, marks significant moments and honors heritage.