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John “Ruch” Guchua Muthoni (1988) is a visual artist, a yoga-entrepreneur and an art therapist from Nairobi, Kenya. As a teen, he joined Mukuru Art & Craft Center where, after learning about and acquiring skills in various genres of art and crafts, he graduated in 2006, specializing in painting and wood cut prints. He was able to further develop his talent by attending several art workshops, hosted by renowned Kenyan as well as international artists. After making his first sales in 2006, John was able to go back to and graduate high school, after which he studied dance and yoga. John’s work is nestled between reality and dreams. His paintings are inspired by the environment he lives in and its conservation, dreams, love, injustice, and culture. Every painting is an expression of his inner world, including aspects such as self-realization and growth, community leadership and its challenges, African culture, and poverty and crime in relation to the socio-political climate. John’s work captures his beliefs, imagination, and philosophies in a visual form that, rather than attempting to create a realistic interpretation of the subject matter, focuses on revealing the expressive elements of light, texture, and colors. John’s work has found its way to exhibitions in Kenya, Germany and Italy. Several of his pieces have also been acquired by private art collectors and enthusiasts from Kenya, The Netherlands, The United Kingdom, The United States, Germany, Australia and France. Besides working as solo-artist, John has also worked with various community based organizations and NGOs such as Wajukuu Art Project, Wacky Foundation, Mukuru Talent Development, HAART, Art Against Poverty, and Rafiki Organization. Through the transformative powers of arts and yoga, and using these tools for self expression and healing, John is able to help empower children and youths in his community.