Striking artworks by Clara Chebet, featuring the back view of tribal women from the Himba tribe and Mwila tribe from Angola. It highlights the elaborate traditional hairstyle and intricate adornment. Both featured styles were an attribute of wealth symbolism and beauty. the deliberate choice to depict only the back, showcasing the coiffure at its best angle and the elaborate adornment, encourages personal interpretation. This approach allows each observer to create their own narrative and connection with the piece.
Medium used charcoal drawing on recycled paper made from papyrus and banana fibre
This artwork not only showcases cultural beauty but also highlights environmental consciousness through its medium. By using recycled paper made from papyrus and banana fibers, the artist contributes to sustainable practices. This choice reduces waste and promotes the use of eco-friendly materials, making the artwork environmentally significant. The use of natural fibers also adds a unique texture and authenticity to the piece, further enhancing its cultural and ecological value. The deliberate choice to depict only the back, showcasing the coiffure at its best angle and the elaborate adornment, encourages personal interpretation. This approach allows each observer to create their own narrative and connection with the piece.
Clara Chebet, is a visual artist based in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County from Kenya. . She studied at the Buru Buru Institute of Fine Arts and has showcased her work at various local trade fairs, including the prestigious East African Trade Fair in Kampala, Uganda.Her artwork focuses on depicting people and their cultures, drawing inspiration from historical contexts. She enjoys exploring and experimenting with multiple art styles and mediums, she has not settled on a single art style yet. My favourite medium is charcoal on recycled papers, particularly papyrus and banana fibre paper. Clara Chebet is one of the emerging artists from Kenya, showcased her work at the Visions and Possibilities exhibition held at the Bermondsey Project Space gallery on December 6th, 2023. Additionally. Her art was featured during the celebration of Kenya’s 60th Jamhuri Day Anniversary at Lancaster House in London, which took place on December 8th, 2023
Mark Maganga draws inspiration from the aesthetics of cars and the urban scenery of Nairobi. Through his artistic practice, he combines images captured from the outside environment with the expressive nature of painting, employing distortion as a visual instrument to represent the intricacy of the city’s reflections and dynamism. His artistic pursuits transcend singular art forms and actively encompass innovative concepts and mediums of expression, aiming to connect with a global audience to narrate stories that exceed cultural and temporal confines.
Known for his vibrant and observational portrayals of daily life, Brian Kimani’s work is a vivid reflection of his surroundings, capturing Nairobi’s cultural essence. Kimani’s focus on familiar scenes and the use of bold colours highlight his commitment to authentically depicting the spirit of his community. Delving into themes of identity and culture, he offers a profound exploration of the intricate social dynamics of urban life.
Download the full interview at the following LINK!
Okello Orege Art is pleased to present Synonymous Subjects, an online presentation of recent works by Brian Kimani and Mark Maganga.
The two artists, through different means but to the same effect, address the relationship between our temporal reality- that time is finite- and how we engage with it through the routine acts we perform everyday. With an intimate urgency, Synonymous Subjects investigates the underpinnings of quotidian life.
Both Brian Kimani and Mark Maganga recognise the contemporary artist as a cultural nomad, moving between peoples and places, constantly redirecting, reformulating, and reinforcing their worldview. Like the cacophony of sights, smells, and sounds that exist within these urban landscapes, the artist must continuously shift and shape to a similar sensorial degree, in order to capture in real-time the creation of the new. Thus, between maker and viewer lies a deep responsibility of coexistence. The reminder that each action is not done in isolation but co-created with, and contributed to, by authors of the same reality, in a process of shared ownership.
Synonymous Subjects catalogue is available at the following LINK!
“Fragments of Identity” aims to showcase this diversity, highlighting how each piece
contributes to the broader conversation about what defines us. Some artists go into
the depths of personal history and cultural heritage, while others experiment with new
forms and mediums, continuously reshaping the understanding of self. LINK
An exciting, unique exhibition by emerging contemporary Kenyan artists, showcasing over 30 amazing artworks by 18 Kenyan young artists, took place on Tues 28 Nov – Wed 06 Dec, Bermondsey Project Space, London, SE1 3UW.
Click to watch the full, official event video, comprising of:
- showreels of all artworks
- photos of guests
- vox pops from visitors, guests and event' hosts
- and the recording of the "Artist X, Curator Talk" event.
On behalf of His Excellency, Ambassador Manoah Esipisu (middle), High Commissioner of Kenya, and of Mr Michael Pundo (CEO of the Kenya Cultural Centre), we would like to say big thank you to all our guests for coming to the Preview on Tues 28th, and for being part of this Inaugural Exhibition of Contemporary Kenyan Art in London, at the Bermondsey Project Space, London, SE1 3UW.
#kenyaart #kenyaartists #kenyaday #kenyainlondon
"Artist X, Curator Talk", hosted by the lovely Kanaiza, talking to Artist Sharon Gekonge, Mike Pundo (CEO Kenya Cultural Centre) & Olivia Ouko (Deputy Director, Kenya Ministry of Youth Affairs), Bermondsey Project Space, London, SE1 3UW. 👌💖💕
#kenyaart #kenyaartists #kenyaday #kenyainlondon
Kenya Cultural Centre together with the Kenya High Commission in London (and in partnership with Okello Orege Art and the Kenya Society UK) proudly hosted this Inaugural Exhibition of Contemporary Kenyan Art in London, themed Kenyan Artists: Visions & Possibilities, culminating in the Jamuhuri Day Celebrations on Dec 8th, 2023.
The exhibition supported the professional development of young underrepresented Kenyan visual artists while positioning Kenya as a global contender in contemporary visual arts.
Emerging from a continent steeped in a rich and captivating history, the exhibiting artists—all of whom are under 35—offered their unique perspectives on a rapidly evolving era.
Exhibiting artists include Anne Onyango, Brian Kimani, Chesta Nyamosi, Clinton Odhiambo, Cynthia Ngunjiri, Denis Cheruiyot, Eugene Kimotho, Henry Nyagudi, Lein Brian, Mark Maganga, Melissa Joe, Quinter Achieng, Ron Enoch, Sharon Ekonge, Simon Marui, Stephen Ogallo, Ted Mwaniki and Clara Chebet.
#visionsandpossibilities #kenyanart #emergingkenyanartists #kenyaday #artexhibition #kenyainlondon
Event Catalogue
Check out and read about our young Kenyan participant artists in the beautifully put together, event's 24-pages catalogue below.
A fantastic week of joy, connections, camaraderie, collaborations, and stunning artworks! Big thank you to the fabulous Victoria Rogers for putting up such an amazing exhibition. We can't wait for 2024. Love Art, Love Culture.✔️💯👌👏💥🎊🥳💖💗❤️#tribalartlondon #thedecorativefair #tal2024
At TAL 2023, we displayed some incredible photographs by renowned, international photographer, John Kenny. John has explored some of the most isolated parts of the world to document the role of traditional communities under growing threat. His remarkable portraits showcase the beauty and inherent strength of his subjects, as well as revealing their traditional clothing and adornments. John is represented by Capital Culture Gallery.
Check more stunning works HERE.
Check more stunning works HERE.
Check more stunning works HERE.
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