The Kenyan contemporary art scene is vibrant with many youngsters proving that the subject matters are like the sand in the ocean of the stars above. Sample these.
Articles: Feature, Commentaries
Contemporary Art scene in Kenya
Kimani, we think a lot alike. you and i both see a vibrant visual arts scene. i read a recent story in the Christian Science Monitor where the writer was listening to woe-some stories about how the art scene was dying….artists based at the GoDown no less. So the guy writes how the scene is “Waning” whereas you and i know it is not! Just because RaMoMA died doesnt mean the scene is in decline. I have analyzed why that happened in my dissertation; or rather I analyzed what it did and did not do for artists; plus being soooo dependent on Donor funding, especially Ford funding, meant it was almost inevitable that the Museum would sadly die. anyway, you will give me some ideas because i would love to publish my dissertation. it’s on “Jua Kali and the Transformation of Contemporary Kenyan Art: 1960-2010.” i love the work you do. please keep it up.
Looking forward to seeing you when you get to Kenya. And thanks a lot for all your contributions to the scene.
Lovely to reconnect with you, Margaretta! Will you believe that after we met at CCCC in Chicago, my children moved to live in Kenya where they spent three years before I got to be reunited with them after the death of their father? It is during that time that I got to know about the Jua Kalis; now I found out that your dissertation is based on those. Congratulations my sister. I have treasures the pieces we exchanged. I always believed that I would reconnect with you. Hopefully I will hear from you, and we might travel to Kenya together some day! Love and peace. HI
Artists from kenya especially those from what is termed as the
Second generation of kenya are a special lot. They have managed to
Get this far throu hard work and sheer determination. This is evident
From the amount of young artists doing great stuff obliviou of wether
There is funding or not. The fact that there is alot of artists with no affliation
To kuona, the GoDown, ramoma is clear indication that the development
Of contemporary art in kenya has a life of its own.
Well said Soi. Well said. May we keep the fire burning.
Love the painting by Lucki Mutebi – and want to know more about the artist! Congratulations for starting this blog -and look forward to reading and seeing a lot more in future.
ed
Thank you very much Ed. I appreciate and will keep it going. Lucki is an amazing artist. I will be interviewing him later on in the year but you can view more of his work here– http://www.bananahills.net
Thanks
THANKS KIM FOR THE WORK YOU ARE DOING ,ave just seen this:am now in kampala i live and work here.I think there are more and more great artists in kenya than ever before and guys like you working hard to make sure this fire keeps burning.kip on thanks
Thanks Lucki. Siku mingi. I had been looking for your contacts sometimes back and am happy to hear from you. Didn’t know you are in UG. Lets talk soon.
Hi am Robin Sculptor from kenya but hope afew people have got chance to see my works but check on facebook robinmbera.
Hi, I will drop yo a line.