Wasanii International Workshop, Lamu 2004

Kenya Fri 15-10-2004

Wasanii International Workshop, Lamu 2004
By a Correspondent

Lamu is a beautiful island and from the artists’ comments and the creative outcomes of the workshop, an inspiring site for creative work. The artists lived at the Wildebeeste Studio, run and owned by Yony Wai-te, a renowned Kenyan artist and also a participant of Wasanii 2004. While the printmakers worked at the Wildebeeste print studio, others worked at the expansive Lamu Fort, National Museums of Kenya.

Each day of the workshop fell into a rhythm: the artists gathered around the dining table for breakfast after which they dispersed to their spaces of work. Lunch brought the artists together again with afternoons generally flowing more freely. After dinner, the artists all gathered together around the slide projector, portfolios and computer to listen to each others presentations.

The presentations exposed the uniqueness, depth and ingenuity of each artist. Throughout the workshop, the group synergy was impressive – as could be seen in day to day interactions, in spontaneous collaborations and planned excursions to the touristy Shella Beach and to other heritage sites, such as Takwa.

The workshop which had so far involved the artists working together in relative isolation, flung open it’s doors and welcomed the public; one and all to visit and experience the works-in-progress that were the outcome of the intense working period.

The works in progress were strategically placed around the Fort – in the centre court and along the balconies – and in true artistic fashion, transformed the Fort into a gorgeous gallery of contemporary works from around the world – with accompanying live Taraab music!

The town of Lamu was present at the open day! People flowed in from 11 am, interacting with the artists and the work where participation was invited. Present also were representatives from the Ministry of Culture; Ford Foundation; the Embassy of the United States; National Museums of Kenya and Lamu’s local government. Art lovers flew in from Nairobi, others came in from Mombasa, all adding up to make an energized and filled open day.

By all accounts, Wasanii 2004 surpassed Kuona's lofty hopes and plans for it! It achieved the objectives it set out to realize – bringing together an extra-ordinary range of artists from around the world, giving them uninterrupted space to work and interact allowing for change and growth, both individually but more so igniting fresh and new thinking that will influence contemporary art on a large scale.

Wasanii 2004 would not have been possible without the support of our generous partners and donors. We thank the Ford Foundation; HIVOS; Embassy of the United States of America - Public Affairs Section; Royal Netherlands Embassy; National Museums of Kenya; British Council, UK and Kenya; Prince Claus Fund; Triangle Arts Trust; Commonwealth Foundation; Taipei Artists Village; TBWA /Creative; Kensta and Executive Printing Works.

For the roaring success of the workshop, we thank each participating artist who brought in unique and creative insight and energy and made the workshop what it was.wasanii 2004 We thank the Wasanii 2004 working group comprised of 3 Kenyan artists who, along with Kuona Staff, started preparing for Wasanii, months in advance. We thank Yony Wai-te and all the staff at the Wildebeeste Studios for being gracious hostesses and hosts.

For the open day, we thank the Lamu museum officials and staff for allowing Kuona to use the beautiful venue of the Fort. For consenting to officiate the open day, we thank the Hon. Najib Balala, Minister for National Heritage. Special thanks to the Ministry of Culture, Director of Culture, Mr. Anami. Gratitude to all the persons who managed to attend the open day and contributed to making it a memorable event and those who hoped to attend but one way or the other, could not make it.

We thank you too for keeping informed and interested about this awesome event that was Wasanii 2004.

Wasanii 2004 Participants: Kenya - Allan Githuka ; Beatrice Njoroge; Yony Wai-te ; Kevin Oduor; Michael Soi; Omega Ludenyi; Peter Githinji; Peterson Kamwathi; Prina Shah; Richard Kimathi; Thom Ogonga; George Karanja, Adam Musa Adam, Isaiya Chepiator Hong Kong - Jaffa Laam; Nigeria - Uchechukwu Onyishi ; UK - Tanya Axford; Sam Hopkins; India - Mithu Sen; Botswana - Shepherd Nduzdo; Uganda - Fred Mutebi; South Africa - Gary Frier; Sudan - Elteyeb Dawelbait; Taiwan - Chuan-chu Lin; Zambia - Stary Mwaba.

Posted By: Africancolours.com

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