The day was 25th April 2022. At around 4.40pm Cindy and I are at the bus stop trying to catch a 'matt' from Ngara into town, (matt is what we call public transportation in Nairobi). It’s usually a 3-5 minute drive without any traffic, and there was no traffic. We got there super quick, excited and all. Town is usually busy around this time of the day. We call it 'rush hour'. The skies were clear, which was unusual considering April is the first month of rains, but we were grateful. You wouldn’t want to be in Nairobi CBD in the middle of an afternoon downpour. The streets turn chaotic and lawless. It would be impossible for us to get to our destination.
Destination?
Nairobi Serena Hotel, a five star hotel known for its elegance and posh vibes. It’s located at the city center adjacent to the city park and a five minute walk from the Central Business District.
What was drawing us to this location, however, was not luxury or grandeur, it was ‘EARTH’ an ecological art opening that was intended to raise awareness on our ecology through contemporary art. The exhibition was to showcase contemporary art paintings created by international artist Shannon Alexander Murphy in collaboration with local artists, Kennedy Kimani Kinyua and Jimmy Kitheka, my big brother. The event was free and open to the public, so we were expecting a large number of people to show up.
Cindy and I got there at about 5:15pm. We were amongst the first people to show up. A kind gentleman ushered us in and immediately our anxiety died down. Everyone was joyous and smiling. Murmurs could be heard across the lobby as the guests gathered in groups to discuss the messages behind each art piece on display. There was an open bar at one corner where preparations were being made to supply wine and snacks to the guests.
We began our tour, staring at each art piece for some minutes and sharing our perspective on it. We bumped into another young lady, Zarina, who was also enjoying the paintings, and so the three of us walked along, laughing and exchanging ideas while enjoying the wine and snacks that were going round in abundance. We also listened to other people’s view of each piece, and their overall experience.
In about two hours, the place was packed. All three artists were endowed with the responsibility to inform the guests about the concept behind each art piece, a responsibility they do quite enjoy. After all the purpose of art is to create works that are to be appreciated primarily for their beauty and emotional power. Artists also use their platforms to cultivate conversations around intended topics, for instance this particular exhibition had guests opening up about climate change, deforestation, and our individual responsibility in maintaining a healthy eco system.
Each painting had a story behind it, and we were there for it. For the culture, beauty and appreciation of the art and the artists. They pour their sweat, time and energy to tell our stories through their gifts. Stories of our lives and our purpose. We have something to say, and we are here to listen and support each other. This exhibition was clear evidence of that.
Notably In attendance was my cousin Chistine Yohannes, a writer, journalist and all round creative powerhouse. I call her ‘Mumbi’ because to me she’s like a spring, an unlimited source of imagination, and innovation. She has an upcoming play this June titled “No more, No less’’ Written and directed by her. She is quite an inspiration.
Another popular writer in attendance was Kabeeria M’mbogori. He has published multiple books, the most recent one being “Maumbile” that tackles conversations around spirituality, individuality and intimacy. It talks about how our culture and beliefs affect how we show up in these and many more spheres of our lives. A must read for anyone interested in getting to know a lot more about that.
A Nairobi based art curator, Peter Achayo, was also in attendance. He amplifies voices and narratives of African artists’ while building new audiences as well as collectors for contemporary African art in Africa. He has wealth of experience in this field as well as many others. I remember him dropping some pearls of wisdom at the end of the exhibition as he was heading home. He reminded my brother and I that there is still so much work to be done when it comes to awareness and support of African art in Africa. We need more exhibitions, festivals, documentation, educational and entertaining productions intended to generate conversations about arts and culture in our continent.
Let’s keep the conversations going, and let’s continue supporting artists while boosting awareness of art in Africa. May the Good Lord in Heaven continuously grant us grace and renew our strength. May we keep shining our light and keep loving and supporting each other.
“You are the light of the world; a town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16
Believe.
