It’s a busy weekend in the art world iN Nairobi! Scroll down to see whats opening & what’s still on…
OPENING
Journey of Colour | Nusreldin Eldouma | Televzyon Hub | Opening Thursday 20 February, 5pm | Until 2 March
Sudanese artist Nusreldin Eldouma, who lost all his artworks when he fled the war in Sudan, will be showing his current body of work.
Ecology X: Posters For The Future | Kairos Futura | Opening Thursday 20 February, 5 – 8pm | Until 4 March
Kairos Director Abdul Rop led a workshop with professional artists and scientists on the top of highlighting and reframing environmental issues for our communities. Work from 15 artists will be on display including: James Kamande, Sarah Waiswa, Teigist Taye, Mwadzame, Alizé Carrère, Chrispus Nyaanga, Sammy Kimuyu, Precious Narotso, Lydia Gachau, Raymond Muuo, Sinatra Chumo, Willy Nganga, Coltrane McDowell, Pinchez Maina and Abdul Rop.
Kairos Futura, 20 Gil Gil Rd, Industrial | @kairosfutura
Sina Jina Collection | 2nd Edition | The African Arts Trust | Opening Friday 21 February, 6 – 8pm | Until 23 May
The exhibition’s focus this year is on the 2nd generation of Kenyan artists whose works are in the collection. The Sina Jina collection is a body of work collected by the founder of the African Arts Trust, Robert Devereux over the last 25 years.
Artwork: @aookello Anthony Okello,Herd Full of Dreams, 2020
Retribution | Baraka Shamia | One Off Gallery | Opening Saturday 22 January 2 – 5pm| Until 23 March
Baraka Shamia once again surprises and delights with some thought provoking figurative works complimented by beautiful abstract pieces. The artist leaves interpretation up to his audience but there is a distinct case to support the possibility of a strong commentary on the recent abductions and murders our country has been experiencing.
One Off Gallery, 28 Rosslyn Lone Tree Estate Road | www.oneoffcontemporaryartgallery.com
The Last Word | Timothy Brooke| One Off Gallery | Opening Saturday 22 January 2 – 5pm
This is a show of the last paintings from Timothy Brooke’s studio. Jill, Timothy’s beloved wife, found these recently when she cleared out his studio. The pastel works are possibly studies for larger oils but the prize is the last oil. It is a diptych and is a summary of everything that Brooke became so well known for; motion, minimalism, sublime brushwork and a subtle colour sense. By the time Brooke passed away in 2022, he was justifiably considered one of the leading ‘conservation artists’ on the continent.
One Off Gallery, 28 Rosslyn Lone Tree Estate Road | www.oneoffcontemporaryartgallery.com
Prints Prints | HoF Gallery | Opening Saturday 22 February, 3 – 7pm | Until 13 April
The Kibera Arts District announces a number of ‘True Collaboration’ efforts for this year at the opening of our very first collaborative exhibition with Wajukuu Arts Collective and Kairos Futura at the HOF Gallery Kibera.
Opening on Saturday 22nd February, 2025 at 3pm and a short 12 minute presentation will happen at 5pm sharp. Worth being there to hear what is in the future for the East African Arts Community. For more information call +254 741 443 678
Ebb & Flow | Sebawali Mwakai Sio| Sebawali Studio, Karen | Opening Saturday 22 February, 12pm
Sebawali explores the fluid intelligence of nature—how water shapes, adapts, and transforms, and how organic forms follow its lead in perfect harmony. Just as water interacts with everything it touches, shaping landscapes over time, Sebawali embraced a wide range of materials—cement, resin, wood, and more—allowing each to guide the creative process. Through this exploration, the works echo water’s ability to adapt, soften, and reshape its surroundings.
Sebawali’s signature style—deeply feminine, fluid, and nature-oriented— remain in this collection, revealing the quiet power of water and the lessons it holds. Ebb and Flow is an invitation to pause and witness how water does not force its way forward—it listens, adapts, and transforms.
ONE OFF EVENTS
Modelling Monsters Workshop | Kuona Artists Collective | Saturday 22 February | 2pm
Calling on all creatives and creative enthusiasts! NCAI invites you to sign up for a Monster-making Atelier! Step into a world of monstrous beings and strange creatures with renowned sculptor Meshack Oira at the Modeling Monsters Workshop. Inspired by Sahej Rahal’s Wayfinder exhibition at NCAI, this hands-on session invites you to experiment with some of the materials and approaches explored in the show—no prior experience is needed!
Spaces are limited, so sign up via the link in bio to secure your spot! @ncai254
ONGOING EXHIBITIONS
Bittersweet Scenery | Khalid Abdelrahman | Tribal Gallery | Until Sunday 23 February
The last chance to see this solo exhibition by Khalid Abdalrahman. Experience a collection of works that capture the sweet memories and the bitter longing for a homeland through striking landscapes and architectural details.
Booking required: 0115196695. Exhibition closes on the 23rd February
Fragments of Home | Romeo Niyigena | SenaArt Gallery X Under the Swahili Tree | Through February
Niyigena is an emerging artist from Kigali, Rwanda. His works primarily encompass oils & acrylics on canvas through which he exploes the theme of diversity, a profound source of inspiration for him. His work is deeply influenced by cultures he has encoutered across Africa. Each of Niyigena’s creations is imbued with poetic expression, weaving a unique narrative or symbolism, inviting the viewer to dive deeper.
Fetlework Tadesse – Embrace
New Visions: Six Artists | Circle Art Gallery | Until Thursday 27 February
Circle debuts six new artists in the gallery to start the programme for the new year. “One of the best parts of our job as a gallery is finding new artists whose work we fall in love with, who we would like to work with and that we think our audience will appreciate.” For Circle Gallery’s first exhibition of 2025, they will share a selection of six artists from Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and Tanzania who they are excited to exhibit: Pamela Enyonu, Ethel Aanyu, Fetlework Tadesse, Birhane Worede, Sandra Wauye & Liberatha Alibalio.
Lost in a Day Dream | Gavin Kendo | Alliance Française | Until Friday 28 February
In this exhibition, @kendogavin explores themes of identity, intimacy, and escapism, rooted in African perspectives. “Lost In A Day Dream” features both digital art and oil and acrylic paintings. Using vivid colours, the artist captures the beauty and fragility of human connection, the search for self, and the allure of retreating into imagined worlds.
The Book of Missing Pages | Sahej Rahal
Wayfinder: Sahej Rahal | NCAI | Until 01 March 2025
Wayfinder welcomes viewers into Rahal’s world, where myth, narrative, imagination, and technology intertwine to challenge conventional understandings of reality and encourage them to participate actively in Rahal’s ever-expanding cosmology. Rahal’s practice comprises a journey through evolving mythologies that span sculpture, performance, video, and digital media.
Wayfinder will feature two major video works shown alongside a selection of drawings from The Book of Missing Pages (2018-2023) and three new sculptural works. Distributed Mind Test (2023) is a multiplayer video game where players become fractured impulses of thought embodied within a young non-human creature navigating a world engulfed in perpetual night following an unknown cataclysmic event that has exhausted all human life. Anhad (2023) is an interactive AI simulation where viewers encounter an AI-controlled entity whose limbs carry recorded notes of Hindustani music, which emanate as they wander a digital forest, receiving audio input from the physical world to generate an infinite song.
Nairobi Contemporary Arts Institute (NCAI), Rosslyn Riviera Mall, Limuru Rd. @ncai254
Urban Shelters | James Kamende | Red Hill Art Gallery | Until 2 March
Red Hill Art Gallery, off St. Julian’s Road, Gatatha Rd, RedHill www.redhillartgallery.com
Beauty of Africa II | David Kigozi | Banana Hill Art Gallery | Until 7 March
A solo exhibition by renowned Ugandan artist David Kigozi, showcasing his striking interpretations of African life, culture, and landscapes through vibrant color and bold composition. With each brushstroke, Kigozi brings to life the beauty, resilience, and spirit of Africa, offering a unique perspective that captivates art lovers and collectors alike. This is an opportunity to immerse yourself in a world of creativity and expression before it closes.
Dynamics of Our Heritage | Cartoon Joseph | Creativity Gallery | Nairobi National Museum | Until 16 March
Joseph Cartoon captures the soul of our shared heritage, blending traditional and contemporary influences. This exhibition beautifully complements the museum’s role as the custodian of Kenya’s cultural and natural history.
Group Exhibition | The Artists Palette, Karen Village | Ongoing | 9am – 5pm
Including artists: Meek Gichugu , Michael Musyoka , Musah Mwakelemu & Nedia Were