Three renowned Kenyan artists, Wanjohi Maina, Ngugi Waweru, and Austine Adika, are showcasing their captivating works at Circle Art Gallery in Nairobi. Each artist has been granted a dedicated space within the gallery's expansive new location on Riara Road.
Wanjohi Maina's "Hawkers Republic" features life-sized street vendors occupying the gallery's walkways, mirroring the bustling streets of Nairobi. His vibrant characters extend onto the gallery walls, transitioning from realistic figures to enigmatic alien creatures.
Austine Adika's "R'N'B" showcases his innovative use of recycled materials. Adika transforms discarded metallic items, such as Kimbo and Blueband tins, into intricate sculptures and colorful tapestries adorned with metallic butterflies and flowers. His art emphasizes the creative process and the expression of individuality.
Ngugi Waweru's "Mbinguni kume Pasuka" (Heaven has Burst Open in Kikuyu) is the most politically charged of the three exhibitions. Waweru employs recycled knives, collected during the COVID-19 pandemic, to create works that critique the broken system and the consequences of unchecked consumption. His art serves as a warning and a reminder of the urgent need for change.