Meet Baringo Artist Making Waves in the US by Blending Kenyan Heritage with Global Art

 

Kiptoo's art has been showcased in the Henry Clay Estate, Woodland Park,

Kiptoo Tarus, a visual artist from Baringo, Kenya, has ventured far from his roots and made a significant impact in Kentucky, USA. Kiptoo's art has been showcased in the Henry Clay Estate, Woodland Park, The Met, Horse Mania, and Old Friend’s Farm. He has created a distinctive artistic style that resonates deeply with audiences across the Atlantic. What was Kiptoo's first job? Lex Today reports that Kiptoo has managed this through a unique fusion of his rich Kenyan heritage and a global perspective.  Kiptoo’s art profoundly explores Kenyan and broader African history, brought to life through sculptures, drawings, paintings, and installations. His journey into the world of art began in Nairobi, where he worked as a banker while attending art school. “I worked for a bank doing marketing while also attending art school,” Kiptoo recalled. Kiptoo's eureka moment In art school, Kiptoo met a visiting professor from the UK who specialised in sculpting. This fortuitous meeting would change his career trajectory as his life took an unexpected turn. “He spent two days in the studio with me, talking and critiquing my work. And then he mentioned graduate school,” Kiptoo shared. Taking a leap of faith, Kiptoo quit his banking job and applied to an art school nearly 8,000 miles away in Kentucky. He immersed himself in his craft, perfecting his art in a new land. Kiptoo's first commissioned work In 2015, his dedication paid off when he received his first commissioned work from the city of Lexington. He made six sculptures displayed around town for the 2015 Breeders’ Cup. “I mainly sculpted the human figure, and those pieces were a series of hands,” Kiptoo explained. However, the Breeders’ Cup inspired a new direction in his work as he figured he could do equine art. Since then, Kiptoo’s work has been showcased across prominent Lexington locations. Where have Kiptoo's sculptures been showcased? These include the Henry Clay Estate, Woodland Park, The Met, Horse Mania, and, most recently, Old Friend’s Farm. His art has become a celebrated part of the local culture, reflecting his Kenyan roots and adopted home. “Lexington is a receptive city that really appreciates art,” Kiptoo noted. “This place has accepted me for who I am. It’s my second home.”  For Kiptoo, home is not just a place—it’s where his art thrives. He has successfully bridged continents, blending his Kenyan heritage with the vibrant art scene of Kentucky, creating a legacy that honours both his past and present. 

by  Hillary Lisimba