At first glance, it’s hard not to notice Ian Banja’s vibrant perspective of contemporary storytelling. He captures the moments of those living their everyday, transforming the ordinary into an effortless energy of style and confidence.

Tell us a little about you, your life, and how you got to where you are today.

 My name is Ian Banja, I’m a self taught artist born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya. I am motivated by my love of learning and succeeding as I strive to be an outstanding and better version of self, I’m renowned for an upbeat street style that is paired with detailed, technical and aesthetic consideration. I got where I am today through the passion of performing as I have embraced an interest in painting. My surrounding society has also contributed to my growth as an artist as the daily challenges and tussles are a part of my motivation and inspiration.

How has your upbringing influenced you as an artist?

 My upbringing has influenced my art journey in every way possible. From the people around me, their everyday file, the society in which I live to the struggles and challenges in my immediate surrounding, trying to find a way to advocate to people of better days. I use art as a way of bringing love and light. That’s what pushed me to focus more on my art journey the motivation to help other persons realize that there’s more to life than the challenges and struggles. Not forgetting it has impacted me with a lot of inspirations. My practice is about impacting hope and love to the society more than a nice output.

How would you describe your work in 3 words or less?

 Life is Art

Where do you typically source your inspiration?

 My inspiration comes from the daily struggles and challenges facing the people in my community as it is the immediate world that surrounds me, the tussles, people living on the basis of hand to mouth and the police violence. I take my time on the structure of my pieces so that I know when someone uses my artworks they really appreciate the details and the glazing that went into it.

What are some things you’d like for people to understand about what you create?

 When creating I tend to put my subjects at the centre of the conversation in a calm environment and well dressed, I usually don’t want to bring out the struggles without including the joy and the happiness. my subjects are diverse but I’m repeatedly drawn to portraiture and the encounters my subjects find themselves in, My style is a personal journey towards inner self. I don’t typically pose my subjects, I depict them as they are

Why do you do what you do– what does being an artist mean to you?

 Being an artist means the world to me, being able to share my experiences with the world. Being able to spread hope and love through my works. I do what I do with the hope of connecting with the people so that they can view my world as I see it

Who are some of your favorite artists?

 Some of my favorite artists include Wangari Mathenge, Jean Michael Basquiat, Kehinde Wiley and Oluwole Omofemi not forgetting myself

A Moment with Ian Banja