Patrick Mukabi

Kenya Sun 07-08-2005

Patrick Mukabi
By Emmanuel Mwendwa

Ever wondered why we are subconsciously perhaps, drawn to paintings, which depict human-interest issues? Or those that reflect ordinary lifestyle trends we can relate to, identify with or happen around us? It is hardly surprising then, even relentless advances in technology are yet to eclipse the role of visual art as a pivotal channel to capture and communicate images.

Take for instance Kenya’s seasoned oil and acrylic painter, Patrick Mukabi who subscribes to view that visual art is a dynamic, interactive forum.

Just about dozen of his stimulating yet, provocatively illuminating paintings, are the toast of the 'Art for Breakfast' exhibition being showcased at a nondescript, downtown café tucked away at the heart of Nairobi, Kenya's capital. Like a magnet, Java Coffee House lures a kaleidoscope of patrons who stream in for informal meetings; or to leisurely savor snacks, a pot of aromatic coffee or freshly brewed juice.

Others hang out here, to catch up on latest tidbits or gossip simmering on the metropolitan city’s showbiz scene. But by hosting Art for Breakfast, the café is indulging patrons in an exotic serving whose 'menu' is more artistic than culinary. There is no doubt the exhibition makes it possible for many not previously exposed to paintings, also feast on creative artistic muses whilst enjoying cappuccinos, snacks or drinks.

The showcase listed in this year’s highlights on Nairobi’s visual arts calendar, begun in early June 2004 and is on cards till the beginning of September. 'Art for Breakfast' also offers patrons unable to buy artworks with opportunity to digest and appreciate paintings on display, explains Mukabi. It takes a fleeting glance, for your eyes to irresistibly get drawn to picturesque, figurative works that deck out the conspicuously bare walls of café’s upstairs and downstairs levels.

Patrick MukabiThe work titled 'Slow Day' depicts the high and low seasons endured by groceries sellers in low income neighborhoods. As its title suggests 'Secret Rendezvous' reflects a homestead scenario wherein a lad sneaks for clandestine chat with the girl next door. 'A Bit of a Do' captures a couple of ladies, intently immersed in a hair-plaiting session outside residential flats.

But the painting labeled 'Sina Tabu' has reportedly ruffled feathers, with numerous patrons indecisive on how to interpret its underlying insinuation and whether to applaud it or not. Initially done as an independent work, Mukabi has now split it into four pieces, an effect that just almost disguises an alluring under-the-table-view of a seated woman high on liquor. Equally likeable are titles 'Neighbour' and 'Mama Kubwa'; the latter is an arresting semi-nude woman clad in a see-through lingerie.

Patrick MukabiThe artist reveals that similar paintings have severally stirred up controversy with those holding on to conservative values. Some of my works were pulled down from exhibition walls, and one was carted off to a local police station supposedly for being indecent and obscene, says Mukabi. He uses shadows to deflect attention off parts of female figures whose interpretation can be easily misconstrued. We should not hide feelings, but rather we ought to show more and more.

l occasionally want to be provocative, but all you see (painted) are the deepest parts of me and my freedom of expression, he notes. Mukabi is incidentally counted among East Africa’s handful nude artists. He draws immense inspiration from globally acclaimed German artist Lucian Freud reputed among 20th century’s most important contemporary figurative painters.

Patrick MukabiMukabis sense of pride springs from instances when people momentarily or intensely get engrossed in his paintings. It implies during the split-seconds or minutes spell, the artist captures the mind of anyone seeking to interpret an artwork’s hidden content or message, he says. I try to convey feelings related to my paintings; it is more than just using brush strokes, shapes or texture. I translate on canvas, how I feel about distressing; oppressive issues, suffering, poverty and other social ills.

His driving motivation seems ingrained, but mainly stems from observing every day, minute details of the women around him. A distinctive, common thread that depicts positive attributes of ordinary women - runs through Mukabis paintings at the café exhibition or his studio base at Godown Arts Centre.

l strive to capture the flip-side aspects of womenfolk often overshadowed by their disadvantaged status in most communities, he says. My work is figurative, I express simple lifestyle activities prevalent even in most basic social settings. l also try to capture colours, shapely poses or silhouettes women strike whether busy or idling. I depict these in relation to how each aspect mirrors the inherent beauty and positive side of life.

When he embarks on sketching a new painting, his mind attempts to subconsciously resolve socially inclined, day-to-day problems he opts not to ignore. Also evident on most of his paintings, is a burst of creative energy that evokes a compulsion to pause and reflect on the aesthetic impressions or underlying messages he wants to convey.

'Art for Breakfast' has elicited and provoked mixed reactions, the bone of contention hinges upon the supposedly explicit content of few 'semi-nudes' among his paintings. But he brushes off the pockets of criticism, saying the exhibition is an eye-opener for many not previously exposed to thought-provoking artistic impressions. Working with oil on canvas has been his forte for years, but lately he communicates and captures images making use of acrylic paint.

Mukabi may be a skilled and professional graduate graphic designer, but fine-tuning brush strokes on canvas is presently his first love. His preference for thematic contents confined to figurative works depicting mostly women is an affair seemingly driven on its own volition to transcend restrictive realms of a typical imaginative mind. It all began purely as a avenue for expression, but it could be turning into an obsession, he quips.

Related Links

Contemporary Figurative Paintings - Artbook.com

Posted By: African Colours

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