Behind the Scenes: Michael Armitage

In the first of 3 profiles of artists in different fields, we meet the British/Kenyan figurative painter Michael Armitage. Hugely talented, Armitage gathers material for his work from life in East Africa.

He is especially interested in social and sexual behaviours: his work includes daring references to exorcism and witchcraft, male violence, and the oppression of the African LGBT community. Though the paintings are made in London and pay tribute to the western tradition, Armitage paints not onto canvas but bark cloth cut from the Lugubo tree, rooting his work firmly in Africa. Writer and art critic Charlotte Jansen presents.

Produced by Susan Marling

Broadcast Date: June 4th 11.30am