Lots of activity on the local art scene
"Untitled Studies" by Anthony Okello. PHOTO/Margaretta wa GachERU
By Margaretta wa Gacheru
Posted Thursday, August 29 2013 at 17:32
Posted Thursday, August 29 2013 at 17:32
In Summary
- The Kenyan art scene is being energised, activated and enlivened as never before.
OneOff Contemporary Art Gallery is currently
showcasing all 14 of the Kenyan artists who have signed on to be
exclusively shown by curator Carol Lees at The Loft in Rosslyn and in
any other venue of her choice.
It might seem like a risky decision on their part
as there are increasing numbers of venues where local artists can show
their work: not just in the galleries and art centres but in any number
of restaurants, hotels, pubs and private homes.
In fact, one of the reasons the local art scene is
thriving is because artists are inventive and exploratory when it comes
to finding new spaces to display—and sell their art.
In the process, they are widening the range of interest in contemporary Kenyan art among locals.
At the same time, there is a lot to be said for an
artist casting his or her lot with Carol Lees. The first is that One
Off has been up and running since the early 1990s, making its founder,
Lees one of the most experienced curators in the country.
Another reason is that the gallery has always
treated visual art as a viable business. Lees combines a keen sense of
business acumen and administration with a curator’s eye for artistic
excellence.
Plus after many years in the business, she not
only knows how to market Kenyan visual artists both locally and
internationally; she has also built a global clientele of international
art lovers who appreciate and also collect local artists’ works.
The other factor that must appeal to local artists
enough to have them sign on with Carol Lees is her taking up the role
and responsibility on their behalf to market their work.
Part of the marketing of course is in building the
brand name, and One Off is widely known for its quality and the
originality of the art work that she shows.
So by being associated with One Off, artists are assured of global exposure, which very few if any other curators can claim.
Promises
A number of new people are striving to build up
the same sort of cultural capital that Lees has, Some call themselves
curators; others make promises to the artists that they just cannot
keep.
But in any case, it all makes for an interesting
mix as it means the Kenyan art scene is being energised, activated and
enlivened as never before.
The other factor that is likely to ensure One
Off’s continuing success is Lees’ experience working for 10 years with
Mary Collis and an outstanding assortment of both local and
international artists through RaMoMa Museum/Gallery.
A number of RaMoMa regulars are among the 14.
hey include Peter Elungat, Richard Kimathi, Peterson Kamwathi, Ehoodi Kichapi, James Mbuthia, Peter Ngugi, Mandy Bonnell, Beatrice Wanjiku, Timothy Brooke and Anthony Okello. Only Chelenge van Rampelberg and Florence Wangui are new to the One Off group.
hey include Peter Elungat, Richard Kimathi, Peterson Kamwathi, Ehoodi Kichapi, James Mbuthia, Peter Ngugi, Mandy Bonnell, Beatrice Wanjiku, Timothy Brooke and Anthony Okello. Only Chelenge van Rampelberg and Florence Wangui are new to the One Off group.
All the while that Lees was curating for RaMoMa,
she never deregistered One Off, so the 14 whose artwork is currently up
at The Loft have the benefit of being part of one of the oldest running
galleries in Nairobi.
It’s no match for Paa ya Paa Art Centre which
opened in 1965 or Gallery Watatu which opened in 1969—although Watatu
sadly seems defunct until we hear otherwise. Even Kitengela Glass Studio
opened in 1969. But Banana Hill Art Studio opened in 1994, and Kuona
Trust opened in 1995.
Meanwhile, Lees opened One Off in 1993.
No comments:
Post a Comment