We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Arthur Midianga a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Arthur, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I knew I wanted to pursue an artistic path since I was a child. From a young age, I was recognized for my talent. I was featured in local newspapers and excused from class by teachers to work on school art projects. Participating in exhibitions and winning competitions showed me that art wasn’t just something I loved—it was also something I also excelled in. My early inspiration came from Renaissance masters like Da Vinci and Michelangelo. I was obsessed with their technical skill and the human expression represented in their works.

However, as a first-generation Kenyan-American, societal and familial expectations eventually pulled me away from art. I stepped into more traditional career pursuits, leaving my brushes untouched for nearly a decade.

It took a series of transformative events to reconnect me with my passion. I began noticing that many people in my life recognized my artistic essence. My roommate stumbled upon my sketches and questioned why I wasn’t embracing my talent. Not long after, a family member asked me, “What ever happened to your art?” and it felt like a wake-up call.

Moving to Brooklyn marked another turning point—I was surrounded by creatives and gained reference points for the artist’s lifestyle. At the same time, a health scare forced me to reflect inward, breaking the cycle of outward validation I had been chasing. Loss also played a pivotal role. In a short span, I lost several people close to me, which made me confront my own mortality, purpose and legacy. Art became my solace, the only way to process grief and rediscover my truest self.

Eventually, I began sharing my work and story online, which brought new opportunities. My art was featured in a group show at The Canvas in SoHo, reigniting my ambition and confidence. Since then, I’ve showcased my work in galleries across the U.S. and internationally, collaborating with organizations like the WNBA, Meta, and Saatchi.

This journey—finding my way back home through loss and growth—reminded me that art has always been at the center of who I am.

Arthur, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a Kenyan-American expressionist based in Brooklyn, NY. My practice is informed by my ancestral history and fascination with the collective unconscious. I have collaborated with the WNBA and my works have been exhibited at galleries in NYC, Barcelona, Miami, Kansas City, and Portugal.

My work exists at the intersection of where the conscious and subconscious meet. Working primarily in acrylics and oils, I use colorful depictions of terrestrial subjects and Fibonacci-style patterns, to express visceral emotions balanced by playfulness. I feel as if I am an arrow-sharp, discreet, yet graceful, linking all forms of energy culturally universal symbols. By revealing vulnerabilities, I invite viewers to embrace the depths of the human experience.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Sharing my story and inspiring others. Further, the ability to reflect and work on myself through my own talent and abilities feels in-line with my purpose. Through perusing art I’ve been able to prioritize elements of personal self-improvement and align it to professional and personal goals.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

By being myself and adapting to the creative climate. This allows me to build my own lane, where people get to meet the person behind the “brand” and connect the dots to the art.

Contact Info:

• Website: Midianga.com
• Instagram: @botcrisps
• Facebook: @Arthur.midianga
• Twitter: @botcrisps
• Youtube: Arthur Midianga