Matatu Design Culture An Iconological Analysis

Abstract

Introduction: -The Kenyan transport industry is synonymous with customised design solutions identifiable mainly in form of graffiti and enhanced interiors (Johnson, 2013). There are however hardly any scholarly articles that give a critical analysis of the aesthetic aspects of ‘Matatu’ design culture. This may be attributed to the view that matatu design culture is thuggish and glamourizes violence (Johnson, 2013). The main objective of this research was to documenticonography used in ‘Matatu’ design culture in Nairobi using iconological research techniques. Design: -Iconological analysis methodology is used mainly to uncover themes and subjects in the visual arts (Staten, 1994).The first step as per iconological analysis methodology used, was to identify the various visual design elements used in the matatu design culture. The second step involves analyzing the visual elements. This enables the linking of artistic motifs with
themes, concepts and the conventional meaning is identified. At the last step, the themes or ideas the artist communicated intentionally or subconsciously was decoded and articulated as appropriate.