Artist behind viral Raila Odinga artwork appeals for appreciation, recognition of his work

Collins, a renowned sketch artist who went viral almost a decade ago after sketching yet another viral Raila piece, on Saturday, October 18, took to his Facebook page to call out unfair practices in the usage of his work, claiming that people were now removing his watermark and discrediting his artistry.

He wrote: "I have received so many concerns about the widespread use of my artwork for commercial purposes by so many businesses and thank you so much, and it is disheartening, but it is the reality of creatives, especially for art like this where someone can easily crop out watermarks or not acknowledge... "

Collins went on to state that the main purpose behind the artistry was to pay homage to Raila Odinga, his idol, adding that the artwork was never meant for commercial purposes.

"My main aim of doing this work was as a personal tribute to a global icon who is larger than life, who most of us couldnt even fathom a day of his demise, who has shaped our political landscape and given us a soft landing in this democracy," he wrote. 

"This was not meant for commercial purposes, and even the few tshirts I made was due to serious public demand on my social accounts."

The veteran sketch artist, however, appealed to Kenyans to recognise his artistry by retaining the watermark he had originally plastered on the original image, while at the same time appealing for any monetary appreciation from fans. 

"You can support my work by keeping the watermark on when you share the image or acknowledge the artist, or if you are generous, you can do it through M-Pesa," he wrote.

Speaking to Business Daily, the self-taught artist, who has done five hugely popular portraits of the former Prime Minister, said that, back in 2015, Raila Odinga flew him to Nairobi for the formal presentation of one of his most popular pieces of the fallen Opposition stalwart.

"Meeting him was an honour," he said. "He was charismatic. Just meeting him was payment enough, even without considering the remuneration. The publicity from that portrait gave my art and business portfolio a powerful boost."

He added, "The first two I did were out of inspiration; he was a lovable human being, a political leader, the way he shaped democracy and the political landscape in Kenya, I felt inspired to do a portrait of him. The others were commissioned by some of his ardent supporters for their personal collections. I also did another piece that I was asked to personally present to him," he told the BDLife.

Collins also added that, despite the fact that Raila Odinga paid him handsomely for the delivered portrait, he still considers the opportunity to draw - and meet - the former Prime Minister as payment enough. 

"I had to travel all the way from Kisumu, and he paid for my flights, my accommodation, and I was remunerated well for my work. But I feel this wasn't necessary, for I had considered it a gift. Everything else that happened after was more or less like a bonus."

Collins' latest artwork depicts Raila's face mystically towering admist the heavens, as a smaller image of the leader is seen with the fist raised up, as if to say goodbye.