Check out our full listing of what’s on in the the art world here iN Nairobi, this weekend and in the month of November
OPENING THIS WEEKEND
The Village Well Conversations: Muramuzi John Bosco | Opening 31 October, 5 – 7pm | Until 17 November
Ugandan artist Muramuzi John Bosco presents recent work reflecting on village life and traditions focusing on the significance of the village well, as a symbol of life, rebirth, mystery, spirituality, and a thriving community. His childhood memories inspire the work. He uses acrylic on canvas to explore narratives of “Villagism” merging village and urban scenes to create vibrant compositions of common practices in his village including people fetching from the well and carrying gallons of water.
Village Market, Rooftop Gallery | @tewasartgallery
A ProtoScore | Munyu Space Online | Friday 1 November | 7PM
A ProtoScore is a durational gathering of artists, scientists and members of the public. a mutually generative and creative process to consider inflows between art and science + relation building in artistic and science-based practices.
https://munyu.common.garden/
Open Studio: Nyerere Michael | Embe Creatives | Saturday 2 November | From 11am | Until 9 November
“I tend to alter the human figure on how I want to portray the message. So that’s how I come up with these depictions, depending on the situation, on what is currently happening in the state of the nation. What I really hope to achieve when I use these depictions is to challenge and provoke thoughts on people whenever they view my work, and also to start a conversation in their head whenever they view my work, and also to tell their own stories when they see their work according to their own experience whenever they see my work.” – Nyerere
Interwoven Paths | Group exhibition | Opening Reception: Saturday 2 November | 6pm | Until 15 November
An inspiring art exhibition featuring the work of senior school students from Brookhouse alongside professional artists . This exhibition not only showcases the exceptional talent and creativity of these young artists but also highlights the shared commitment of Ardhi Gallery and Brookhouse School to foster artistic growth and self-expression; it’s a celebration of youth, talent, and the boundless possibilities of the creative journey.
Ardhi Gallery, Ole Sangale Link Rd. @ardhigallery
Fashioning a Nation | Goethe-Institut | Curated by Sunny Dolat | Opening 2 November 2 – 5 pm | Until 21 November
This preview spotlights elements from the ongoing study, sharing parts of the expanding list of contributors to this process – including designers, photographers, stylists, publications, and aficionados, showcasing their role as both participants and agents in shaping and defining Kenya’s post-liberation identity through dress and aesthetics.
“I’m excited to share a glimpse into a rather ambitious research project I’ve undertaken over the past two years, to understand and map out the circumstances, histories, voices, and ideals that have come to inform contemporary Kenyan dress and aesthetic sensibilities. I’m excited to share the ways that dress has shaped the construction of national identity in Kenya in the exhibition Fashioning A Nation, which will be presented later in 2026. Right now, however, I am honored to be able to share a sneak peek into the research” – Sunny Dolat
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn how fashion shapes and reflects Kenyan identity.
📸: Courtesy of Camerapix from a campaign for Raymond Suiting, Oct 1980
Communal Mural Painting | 30 October – 1 November | 10am – 5pm
Calling all art enthusiasts and creatives🎨 Pass by and lend a brush – join us in creating something truly special today through Friday at the GPO Stage📍in CBD. Make a mark on Nairobi’s landscape together as we celebrate Placemaking Week 2024!
Kuona Artists’ Collective | First Sato | Saturday 2 November | Noon – 8pm
An event as well as an art exhibition. You are welcomed yet again to another edition of the First Sato by Kuona Artist Collective. There will be amazing live performances by @ayodeeofficial and Julie Mumia & the amazing works of their different artists will be on display in their studios. Come catch a vibe!
“A Symphony of Color- A nature story” | Chege Gitura | Opening Sunday 3 November | Until 30 November
Nairobi National Museum, Creativity Gallery
ONGOING EXHIBITIONS
The Commentary | Mika Obanda | Wajukuu Arts Trust | Call 0729306564 for appointment
Mika Obanda (B, Dec 1999) is a visual artist based in Nairobi, Kenya. ‘The Commentary’ reflects how Mika uses art as an outlet and self-therapy tool for his innermost haunting memories and moments in life.
As a person, born and raised in informal settlements, Mika has experienced the horrors of living in a violent home and becoming a drug addict. He re-imagines a world with equality and love among human beings, a world where everyone is accepted as they are.
Where Do I Begin | Florence Wangui | One Off Gallery | Until 24 November
‘Uhíí ní umagwo no úka ndumagwo’: ‘The literal translation is that the man comes out of ‘boyhood’ but the woman doesn’t come out of womanhood. This means that a man goes through initiation and fully attains certain rights but a woman regardless, isn’t entitled to any rights really…although it sounds just like another stereotype, there’s a truth to it. As I reflected upon these words of this Kikuyu proverb, I couldn’t help but do some introspection in regard to my recent hiatus and also to look around and to ask ‘is this all a woman is meant to be’?
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Alongside this solo show, in the Stable Gallery, we see a strong show of work by many of One Off’s Gallery Artists. We have three significant late entries to this show from Timothy Brooke and Anthony Okello. Of particular note are three large paintings by Richard Kimathi and a new series of ‘Superstars’ by Peter Ngugi. Patrick Karanja presents an exceptional series of four small urban landscapes, which display his considerable skill in watercolour technique. We are also thrilled that Elias Mung’ora has been able to produce two thought provoking pieces following on from his residency at NCAI. Also notable are the oil painting from Mark Lecchini, who continues to develop his practice and the two acrylic works by Baraka Shamia who also continues to ‘push the envelope’. Included in the show are vintage James Mbuthia and Harrison Mburu works; both elicit a smile. Lastly, we welcome photographer, Talitha Puri Negri who is a new addition to the One Off family and a talent to watch.
One Off Gallery, 28 Rosslyn Lone Tree Estate Road | www.oneoffcontemporaryartgallery.com
FRAGMNTS | Mutua Matheka | Junction Mall | Until 10 November | Entry fee
FRAGMNTS is an awe-inspiring immersive installation that weaves over a decade of his work. Capturing the rooftops of Nairobi since 2010, this exhibition invites you to experience the city’s heart—both its vibrant hope and its beautiful chaos—through a powerful blend of film, photography, and immersive audio-visuals.
Image courtesy of Nairobi National Museum
Distant Relatives II | Kenneth (Kaymist) Otieno Nairobi National Museum, Creativity Gallery| Until 31 October
A solo exhibition by the renowned graffiti artist known for his iconic murals across the city, with the legendary Bomb Squad Crew (BSQ). Kaymist brings the energy and spirit of the streets into the gallery space.
Toggle Navigation | Abushariaa Ahmed | Tribal Gallery | Until 10 November
Semi-abstract, colourful mixed media works and intricate ink drawings characterized by ornamental and symbolic motifs of Nubian Heritage.
Harmony | Camille Wekesa | Red Hill Art Gallery | Until 11 November
Resonance of Time and Memory: A group exhibition featuring works from emerging African artists
“My Comfort I” by Romeo Niyigena
Opening reception Tuesday 8 October | 6pm | Until 11 November
Come experience the rich narratives woven into each artwork, exploring themes of time, memory, and identity through diverse African perspectives. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the artistic journeys of artists from Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania. Curated by Linda Chao Mbugua.
SenaArt Gallery X Under the Swahili Tree, Karen @undertheswahilitreekenya
WALKING ON A DREAM: Elias Mung’ora, Jared Onyango & Sandra Wauye
Installation view
NCAI | Until 03 November 2024
The Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute (NCAI), in collaboration with Untethered Magic, is proud to announce ‘Walking on a Dream’, an exhibition showcasing the evolving artistic journeys of three artists: Elias Mung’ora, Jared Onyango, and Sandra Wauye. The exhibition will feature ongoing bodies of work developed during their participation in the UJUZI program, an alternative artist mentorship initiative for artists based in Kenya. The exhibition offers a unique opportunity to witness the evolving artistic processes of the artists, highlighting the ideas in progress emerging from their deep engagement in a process tht emphasizes deep research and contextual thinking.
Read our review of Walking on a Dream
Nairobi Contemporary Arts Institute (NCAI), Rosslyn Riviera Mall, Limuru Rd. @ncai254
Yesterday’s Price Is Not Today’s Price | Mihayo Kalaye | The African Arts Trust | Until 29 November
Mihayo Kalaye (b. 1996, Tanzania) is a multidisciplinary artist based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. His work encompasses a wide range of media, including fabrics, photography, video, tattooing and found objects. With a focus on the post- colonial situation in Africa, decolonization, restitution and sustainability, his work delves into African history, spirituality, and politics.
Years of Service | Various Artists| Hof Gallery | Until 9 November
A collaborative exhibition, curated by Jamey Ponte, around recycled materials showcasing bodies of work from artists Savior Juma, Bernard Musyoki, Njogu Kuria & John Ruitha. These artists have a history of utilizing post-consumer materials. Such materials can be viewed as having a past, having had a different story or purpose to the lives of consumers, in contrast to the current iterations that these artists have transformed them into via their various artistic processes, giving the materials new roles and visions, to be interpreted by the viewer.
Hakuna Utopia : Kairos Futura
Image courtesy of Kairos Futura
Until 25 November
Cutting edge arts futurist collective Kairos Futura presents their new exhibition which spans the city and considers definitions of utopia / dystopia… Hakuna Utopia? Read more about the exhibition.
The exhibition will continue at the Kairos Futura warehouse in the Industrial Area, plus in satellite locations in Mathare, Mukuru, Lucky Summer and the beautiful Nairobi Arboretum until 25 November. The Atelier is open for visits 9am – 5pm Monday – Friday or by appointment on the weekend.
https://www.thefutureisonearth.org/