Kenyan artist Thandiwe Muriu has emerged as one of the spots of intrigue of the 2024 World Rally Championship(WRC) taking place in Naivasha.
The photographic artist has designed custom work for rally driver Thierry Neuville’s helmet, a renowned Belgian racer, competing in the WRC rally.
Thierry, known for his philanthropic spirit in giving back to charity, on Thursday competed in the customised helmet, which he termed as his good luck charm.
“I hope it's going to bring me good luck, and we will be selling it for good money," Thierry noted.
“Thierry contacted me. I think he follows my work on Instagram. They contacted me and said they wanted to work with me,” Thandiwe stated.
The helmet, which is currently under auction, has a starting bid of Ksh1.6 million (£9,500), with the bid closing in ten days.
According to Thierry, the money from the auction will be donated to a charity organisation chosen by the artist.
“Giving back to the community transforms the community and we need to be good stewards of our community,” Thandiwe stated.
Expressing her joy working on the project, Thandiwe explained that they worked hand in hand with the driver to come up with the design.
"Working with him has been inspirational. Just to hear about the things he is doing, the causes he is passionate about, and I hope he gets years to push that forward," Thandiwe added.
Thandiwe previously worked as a photographer. After the Covid 19 pandemic, she decided to shift to virtual art which has opened more doors for her.
The 2024 WRC rally started in Nairobi on Thursday. The rally includes another 19 gruelling special stages around Lakes Naivasha and Elmenteita covering 367.76km before Sunday afternoon's finish in Naivasha.
