RELATIVITY OF INDIGENOUS EAST AFRICAN DESIGN CHAMPIONS: JACQUE NJERI, MARC VAN RAMPELBERG AND WAMBUI KAMIRU COLLYMORE

This paper focused on the comparative qualities of contemporary
design champions who are re-defining Kenyan design in various sub
specialties. Their artworks represent where the creative economy
(Design) is heading. Conducted in Nairobi, this study sought to
exemplify contemporary design champions redefining East African
creative scene. It applied a case study research methodology. The
three cases were: Jacque Njeri, Marc van Rampelberg and Wambui
Kamiru Collymore, all based in Kenya. The study gathered information
through interviews, focus group discussions and desktop research.
The focus group included erudite faculty, design stakeholders and
students of the school of the arts and design. This was done through
seminars and presentations. The comparative study results yielded
various similarities than differences amongst the champions. The
three champions of contemporary inclinations also represent the
individualism in their expressions. The researcher discovered that
their sense of individualism is what brought them together and is
what makes them exemplify design trends today.