Onesmus Okamar: young artist seeking to be a changemaker

His story is one of hope and courage, braving through life's challenges with his eyes on the prize.

"I grew up under the care of my maternal grandparents, after my mother separated with my Ugandan father before I was born," Okamar stated.

Despite the ups and downs, he had a soft spot for art. At times, he would be sent home for school fees and get back to school after spending days at home. He would spend hours on end painting his sorrows away.

"My love for art pushed me to learning more about the trade. That is how I found out about the Nairobi art scene," he added.

As a teenager, Okamar visited the capital city for the first time. His inquisitive nature saw him find his wat to the epitome of Kenyan art.

"In 2013, I met an artist who pushed me to take my works to the art gallery. A year later, I participated in the Mask Prize competition, bagging the second prize in the general category. I was named the best in painting," he added.

Displaying his works, Okamar says he aims to be a changemaker and help push for a better life for everyone, more so in my native Iteso community which has for a long time been listed among the marginalized.

"I believe I was able to get to where I am because of personal decisions that I made. My art seeks to offer solutions to day to day challenges."

He hopes that his art will inspire the next generation of artists to look beyond art and view it as a form of therapy and a solution to some of life's complex issues.