STORIES IN CARDBOARD: THE URBAN POETRY OF JOHN RUITHA MAINA

When I first encountered John’s work, I was immediately captivated by its originality — urban narratives painted on humble sheets of cardboard, transforming discarded material into something profoundly alive.

A few days later, we met over a video call, where I discovered not only an artist of immense talent but a storyteller deeply rooted in purpose.

Born and based in Nairobi, Kenya, John began drawing at the age of five and never stopped. What started as a childhood passion grew into a lifelong pursuit, shaped by early after-school art programs and later refined through diverse experiences — from mechanical engineering to tattoo design.

His path eventually led him to a transformative meeting with Kenyan artist Adam Massava, whose mentorship reignited his artistic flame and commitment to using art for social awareness.

Today, John works from his studio in Thika Town, creating striking scenes of city life on waste cardboard. His ongoing series, Yellow Lines, captures the energy of matatus — Kenya’s iconic minibuses — and the conversations, faces, and stories that color urban existence.

Beyond his compelling imagery, John’s choice of medium reflects a larger message: that beauty and meaning can rise from what society discards. Much of the cardboard he collects originates from bins, shops, and friends’ homes, representing the everyday items we consume and highlighting the expanding nature of our economy.

Through his work, John not only documents life — he redefines it, turning cardboard into canvases of consciousness. His art is both a celebration of resilience and a reminder that creativity can reshape the world, one recycled story at a time.

Follow him at: https://www.instagram.com/ruithamaina/  

Location: Nairobi (Kenya)