How self-taught artist painted his way out of drug and alcohol abuse
Benjamin Obiero, a self-taught artist at his stall in Ulowa village, Siaya County. Photo[Isaiah Gwengi].
In a makeshift shop on Usenge-Osieko road in Siaya County, Benjamin Obiero calmly moves his paintbrush across a canvas, slowly producing a captivating painting of a lion.
It is here that the 30-year-old is now nurturing his ability to draw and paint after alcoholism almost ruined his life. Today, the self-taught painter ekes out a living from brush and paint.
Growing up, Obiero knew he loved to draw and got inspired by pieces of art around him; from wall paintings outside butcheries, bars and beauty salons to caricatures.