PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The design direction of the book celebrates the patterned African Ankara wax textiles featured in all of Muriu's portraits. The cover emphasizes notions of visibility and invisibility with the title CAMO emerging into the foreground while allowing some transparency of the pattern below. The custom font was designed by award-winning typographer Tré Seals of Vocal Type.

The left side pages are all solid colors with tone-on-tone African proverbs in both Swahili and English. When the book is open, the edges of the pages on the left create alternating stripes of color.

The right side pages are all full-bleed portraits that feature the Ankara textiles. When the book is open, the edges of the paper on the right create a multiplicity of patterns and color.

~

Thandiwe Muriu's vibrant portraits combine cultural textiles and beauty ideologies.

As the sole woman operating in the male-dominated photography industry in Kenya, Muriu has used textiles as a canvas for reflection on the question of identity, tradition, and its evolution over time. Her portraits echo these concerns in how her subjects blend into, and stand out, against traditional African Ankara wax textiles.

Each image is paired with an inspirational African proverb in both English and Swahili, expressing the collected wisdom of generations that continue to inspire. Proverbs such as "With a little seed of imagination, you can grow a field of hope" convey the uplifting spirit of Muriu's work that empowers women, preserves tradition, and celebrates African beauty and culture.

BOOK INFORMATION

Trim Size: 9 x 12

Number of Pages: 224

Binding Method:

Paper:

Typefaces: Custom font by Tré Seals for Vocal Type

CREDIT INFORMATION

Creative Director:

Art Director: Gloria Fowler

Book Designer: Alexandria Martinez

Jacket/Cover Designer: Alexandria Martinez

Illustrator:

Photographer: Thandiwe Muriu

Picture Editor: Gloria Fowler

Production Director: Alexandria Martinez

Production Coordinator:

Production Artist:

Other Credits: Publishing Directors: Steve Crist, Gloria Fowler, Custom font for the cover by: Tré Seals for Vocal Type

Return to the Gallery