My royal eminence,
“The first humans were compelled to make art thousands of years before they even thought of math, bombs and tyrants. So, when you tell me art can be anything, I correct you and say it is everything”
-Leah stone
To create art is to produce work that is to be appreciated primarily for its beauty or emotional power, by those exploring their creative skills and imagination. Overtime, classification of art has evolved from the medieval distinctions between liberal and mechanical arts, to the more modern distinctions between fine and applied arts. Kenyan artists within both the visual and performing phases, are quite versatile when it comes to their work and the types of mediums they use, and since a large number of youth is going into the creative sector, it can no longer be dismissed as anything other that what it actually is, a powerful outlet for society.
A voice.
On 6th September 2021, at the Kenya National Museums of Kenya, we witnessed the launch of ‘’Between The Zones’’ art exhibition. A collection of paintings from two Kenyan artists working on different styles and techniques highlighting different urban and rural settings.
On one hand we have John Kariuki, a visual artist and collagist, specializing in landscapes, still life, surrealism and portraits. He uses a variety of mediums such as acrylics, pastels, watercolor and on other occasions, he uses recycled material to visualize ideas and imagination. This has quite the effect, as the finished product is a powerful manifestation of light images that inspire feelings of tranquility and peace.
On the other hand, we have Jimmy Kitheka, an impressionistic artist who is captivated by sceneries and landscapes that augur a sense of nostalgia. The mediums that he goes for are oil paints, and on occasions, where he would like the images to have a sketch effect, he goes for charcoal. He also uses acrylics and pastels on some of his aesthetic and soothing pieces.
‘’I try to reimagine myself living in that time through my paintings. Some ideas come from dreams that I have experiencing the same adventures they had back in the day.’’
-Jimmy Kitheka
Around 2p.m, on that Partly sunny- partly cloudy Monday afternoon, the doors were open and soon after people begun streaming in. The excitement was evident in everyone’s faces as this was a long-awaited collaboration of outstanding works, done by two passionate individuals who have walked together in this journey for many years, that they have become more like brothers now. Friends, family, workmates and potential buyers all gathered in the hall, as the paintings surrounded them. Light was bursting through the wide-open windows and doors and murmurs could be heard from every corner as Joy and laughter was shared amongst everyone, till suddenly there was silence.
A beautiful young lady alongside a gentleman holding a guitar stepped out and we all knew immediately what was about to happen. You can imagine the well-organized paintings shining bright on the walls, that everyone was seemingly enjoying so much, then Boom! There’s more… a rich musical composition that included local and inspirational music plus a little bit of vernacular. I don’t think we were prepared to experience a performance like that. From the moment she begun singing, everyone was glued in, and even those that knew the lyrics to some of the songs chose to listen than to sing along, because the grace that she delivered the musical pieces with, was truly unmatched. Here voice blended perfectly with the guitar. It was such a moment. Her name is Muleh, alongside Muthuri Kiogora, and we are grateful to them for blessing the show like they did so well.
I couldn’t help but appreciate how an artist would hold a paint brush and bring life on to a canvas, or a singer opening her lungs and bringing life into simple words. Surely art must go together, for it compliments each other. Just like humanity goes together for humanity compliments each other, and may moments like these and friendships like those of John and Jimmy and everyone who attended, gently remind us the purpose of our humanity. To build each other up and not to tear each other down. God is good and we are grateful to Him. We are also grateful to the National Museums of Kenya for hosting such an inspiring show and for continuously providing such platforms for artists across the country.
The exhibition runs from 6th September 2021 to 30th September 2021. Everyone is invited. Enjoy.
‘’For you are Gods Masterpiece created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for you to do.’’
Ephisians 2:10
BELIEVE