The little-known business side of intriguing body art
A client gets their face painted by Wes during the Indie valentine event on February 17, 2024.
Gone are the days when art was dismissed as child’s play and a preserve of the unfortunate in society.
Instead, art has become a genuine source of income for the youth in Kenya and beyond.
No one understands this better than the infinity group members from Naivasha who have dived into the intriguing world of body art.
According to Wesley Shiri alia Wes, body paint is something the group started back in 2019 when they decided to venture into painting beyond the work shop spaces, tattooing and sculpturing.
Wes from the infinity group in Naivasha during an interview on February 17, 2024.
"Body painting can be done either in a simple or complex manner depending on the client’s preference," he says.
"There is camouflaging art, illusion, fine art, creature painting and also laying symbols to achieve amazing body art," Wes continues as he explains the kinds of body art.
The Fine arts graduate from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, says the infinity group has four artists who assume different art styles. However, body painting is something they all do.
This was after noticing the business opportunity while attending events to do live painting, while exhibiting their work.
"Some clients loved art drawn on canvases and would sometimes ask if we can replicate it on their bodies. After this happened severally, we decided to incorporate body painting in the events we attended," says Wesley.
Infinity group doing paint work at My indie valentine's event held at Eagles camp on February 17, 2024.
"Other than working on a sole project at the workshop, events presented a great avenue to make money through body painting. On a good day, we make close to Sh 4,000," says Wes.
He notes that there is no constant charge for body paint. However, the least amount a client can be charged is Sh 200 for simple art works.
"Body art is not just stroking paint on some ones face, arm or leg. It’s about delivering a piece of work so unique and beautiful, that the client feels they have gotten value for their money,” Wesley explains.
Another artist Edwin Ledama alias Tuff, notes that body paint is something artists can explore as a business avenue.
Edwin Ladama alias Tuff working on his art piece during My indie valentine's event on February 17, 2024.
"Way back in primary and high school, I used to draw different images for my classmates during science lessons, in exchange for meals or some cash. Over time, I sharpened my art skill and now I can effortlessly put my skill to body art and earn from it," Ledama says proudly.
He notes that since Naivasha attracts a lot of tourists, it is a great place to make body art an ideal business venture.
Asked how artists can popularize body art in Nakuru, Ledama says, "Artists can collaborate and organize body painting events to popularize this style of art. This will attract attention on this art form and give it prominence as other art styles have received country wide," he concludes.