Abu Mwenye African artist

Due to the deeply personal connection I feel to this work,
regrettably it is not for sale.

Dedicated to those who perished on
September 11, 2001

Cultural Mural Commission

Click on the picture above to link to other
pictures of this exciting project as well as
video footage.

If you asked Abu Mwenye about what inspires his many diverse paintings, the journey would begin in his native
Tanzania. As a young child, Abu can remember being distracted from his homework by his Uncle who would be
member of the family who possessed skills in art. In fact, there were also members of Abu's immediate family, his
mother Rita, whose art talents also cultivated his interest. Supported and encouraged by his family, Abu began to
study and create art.
Kanga patterns, Masai warriors, chungu, and shanga (beads) are just some of the images that can be seen in
Mwenye's work. The deep connection the Artist feels to his homeland can clearly be felt.
At the same time, Mwenye is able to show viewers the deep connection to his new home. On the 11th of September
2001, Abu had only been a resident in this country a few months. The raw emotions and courage displayed on that
day touched his soul. He was not a stranger to witnessing such violence, having seen Somali and Rwandan
refugees in his country. It awakened in him the desire to pay tribute and respect to all those involved in Sept. 11, as
well as the basic human connection we all share.

Swirling colors and shapes are just some of the things you will find the Mwenye's abstract artworks. As these works
are viewed many things can be found, some based in reality and some from the imagination. The question is what
will you see?
As an up and coming Worcester artist, Mwenye's work can also be seen in multiple locations; the Worcester African
Cultural Center on Canterbury St., and also on the Green Street Bridge located in the downtown area.
Mwenye was responsible for the creation and execution of the mural on the exterior of the W.A.C.C., and was a
contributing artist to the Green Street Bridge Project (forecast to be finished in Spring 2008).

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mwenye-painter.com

ABUBAKAR MWENYE
AFRICAN ARTIST

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September 11 Montage

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