Relatively new on the contemporary art scene, Ardhi Gallery will be holding a collector’s choice exhibition, starting this weekend. It will showcase works from the collection of Wilson Kimunya, an enthusiastic art collector. Over the years, Kimunya has collected hundreds of art pieces from emerging, upcoming, and established artists. This show reflects a period in Kimunya’s life when he collected art to convey his own feelings of hope and resilience. Additionally, there will be an auction of selected works from the collection, including works by Boniface Maina, Peter Elungat, Solomon Luvai, George Gray, Ronny Enos and Onesmus Okamar.
Owner Christine Oguna set up Ardhi Gallery last year because of her love for art and her passions for both introducing affordable art to Kenyans and for uplifting youth. To support these dreams, the gallery shows many young, emerging Kenyan artists, although you will sometimes find more established Nairobi artists on the walls as well.
This exhibition is important to the gallery as it showcases how collectors and art lovers contribute to an artist’s career, helping them distinguish themselves”, Oguna says.
She compares a collector’s role in the art world to that of bees’s role in maintaining a healthy natural environment:
Collectors play a vital role in an artist’s environment, by purchasing, nurturing and guiding an artist’s brand; it gives the artist a yardstick for success and a purpose to continue producing works and making a living therefore enriching their ecosystem”.
Ardhi has highlighted a few artists from the Kimunya collection who will be in the show:
Ronny Enos
Ronny Enos is a sketch artist based in Nairobi. Growing up in the Kibera slums, he is self-taught, having begun painting and sketching when he was 10 years old. His art is inspired by his environment: he sketches his neighborhood and the people around him. He often spends hours drawing the world around him, capturing intricate details with remarkable precision. His sketches are full of fine detail, bold lines and emotional depth. Kimunya has worked closely with Enos over the years, playing a pivotal role in assisting Enos to reach his current skill level.
You can watch a video about Enos’ work on YouTube .
Solomon Luvai
Solomon Luvai is a Kenyan artist based in Nairobi who, for almost a decade, has made public work that addresses social issues such as mental health, contemporary life, and music. Self-taught artist Luvai was trained as a painter, but has also utilized forms such as charcoal, junk paper, mixed media, and chalk. He often collaborates with specific persons to produce relatable characters and issue-specific projects that are relevant to a unique set of conditions. Luvai’s work has been exhibited and collected throughout Kenya, featured at institutions such as Goethe Institut, Buruburu Institute of Fine Art, Mckinsey and Co., and the Nairobi National Museum, among others.
Onesmus Okamar
Born and raised in Teso-North, Busia County, Onesmus Okamar is a multi-award-winning visual artist who works in painting and sculpture. In his work, he portrays issues that deal with self-realization, mental health, love, coexistence and unity. His dream of becoming an artist was facilitated by his uncle Peter Elungat who supplied him with art materials, books and mentorship.
He has participated in several art workshops, residencies and numerous exhibitions both locally and internationally including at the Saatchi Gallery (London) and in Washington, D.C. Onesmus’ work is mainly collected by corporate organizations, including I & M Bank and by private collectors both locally and internationally (U.S.A, UK, Spain, Asia, and Australia). He has won Mask Awards in 2014 and 2016.
The opening reception for Reflections of Resilience will be held on 3 August, 3 – 6pm.
The exhibition will run until September 5th, 2024.
Auction: 17 August at 2pm with selected works from the collection, including works by Boniface Maina, Peter Elungat, Solomon Luvai, George Gray, Ronny Enos and Onesmus Okamar.
Link to Auction Booking or call : +254 720 407172
Ardhi Gallery, Parallel Four Building, Ole Sangale Link Rd. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-8pm.