Creative of the Week: Bebeto Ochieng aka Thufu

Bebeto Ochieng (@Thufu1 on IG) is an artist based at the Dust Depo Art Studio in Railways Museum. He specializes on painting using acrylics on canvas, murals and graffiti mentored by Patrick Mukabi and Uhuru Brown. Most of his work is centred around women.

His work has been exhibited in competitions and shows like Manjano Exhibition at the Village Market as well as community initiatives like the Nai Ni Who project. He has had a residency at Kuona Trust with an open show day and held solo shows at Que Pasa and Creatives Garage.

1.Did you always know you wanted to be an artist?

I realized I wanted to be an artist from the moment I realized I could draw. Back in class three.

2. What is your creative process like?

It is not a simple process. It starts with inspiration, then followed by sketching on my sketchbook using a biro. Finally, I decide whether to do the piece on the wall or on canvas. This is the difficult part because some pieces look better on canvas than on the wall and vice versa.

3. How much do your life experiences influence your work?

What happens in or around my life does influence me. My first show was inspired by someone in my life who was pregnant at the time. I created a series of pregnant women.

4. Where have you showcased your work and what has the reception been?

I have shown my work at Manjano Exhibition at the Village Market, International School of Kenya Show (ISK), KICC Culture Show, the Kenya National Theatre graffiti workshop, The National Museum, Kuona Trust and Creatives Garage among many places. The response has been good. I live off of my art.

5. What are your thoughts on art especially painting in Kenya and how do you think we can improve on the craft?

Art in Kenya is growing. The past year was good and I hope it continues that way. People have started to appreciate art more. We can improve the Kenyan art scene by marketing our artists more.

6. What challenges have you faced as an artist in Kenya?

Poor working materials. Some Kenyans not appreciating art… They think art is cheap. Also poor payment for commissioned works.

7. How important do you think mentorship/apprenticeship is for an artist?

Very important because they help us through the art world which is not easy. I am mentored by Patrick Mukabi and Uhuru Brown.

8. What advice would you give an aspiring artist that you wish you had gotten when you were starting out?

The mind is a terrible thing to waste; find your purpose and work on it with rage.

9. What work/project are you most proud of?

I am proud of all my works.

10. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In the next five years…. We’ll wait and see. I’ll keep on working hard.

Bonus Question
11. If you could collaborate on a project with any artist (dead or alive), who would it be and why?

That’s a difficult question to answer for now as I feel I need to work with a lot of artists. Howard Terpning, Vladamir Volegov, Christian Jaquel, Rembrant. List is endless. Becase I would like to gather their knowledge of art.

You can contact Bebeto on Facebook or through email bebeto.ochieng@yahoo.com