Joseph Bertiers

Joseph Mbatia Bertiers
Joseph Bertiers, in front of his own artwork, 2016
Born	1963 (age 61–62) Kenya
Occupation	Painter

Joseph Mbatia Bertiers (born 1963) is a Kenyan painter and sculptor. ^[1] He is best known for his imaginative depictions of political history and life-size scrap metal sculptures. ^[2]

In 2006, Bertiers was selected to participate in Dak’Art and won first prize at a national competition for contemporary art organized by Alliance Française and the Goethe-Institut in Nairobi. ^[3] His artwork has been exhibited across Africa, Europe, and North America. ^[4]

Education

Joseph studied at the YMCA Craft Training Centre and began working as a sign writer.^{[ citation needed ]}

Career

He began his artistic career at the age of 18, he painted signs for local bars, butchers and beauty parlors.  He created a character called “Mr. No Credit”, designed to discourage customers from asking for free services. ^[5]

References

1. Bertiers, Joseph (1998). Dateline Kenya : the media paintings of Joseph Bertiers. Pilar Perez, Track Gallery and Mainspace. Santa Monica, CA: Smart Art Press. ISBN   1-889195-20-0. OCLC   39200714.
2. WA GACHERU, MARGARETTA. "'Bertiers' chronicles Kenya's post-independence events". Business Daily Africa . Retrieved 31 July 2022.
3. Hughes, Henry Meyric (2006). "Agreements, Allusions, and Constructive Misunderstandings". African Arts . 39 (4): 58–59. doi:10.1162/afar.2006.39.4.58 (inactive 25 September 2025). ISSN   0001-9933. JSTOR   20447793.
4. Perrée, Rob. "Joseph Bertiers, Kenya". Africanah.org. Africanah. Retrieved 31 July 2022.
5. "Joseph Bertiers | The Irreverent, World Famous Artist from Kenya Painter Sculptor Art Commentator". Ernie Wolfe Gallery. Retrieved 2025-12-14.