Ngecha the Village of Artists

Kenya Thu 23-12-2010

Ngecha the Village of Artists
AfricanColours.com

Ngecha, a village where art is inborn" is a simple rural village in Kiambu district (Kenya) that has the distinction of producing some of the best self taught artists in the country.

Ngecha Artists Association and Gallery Sign | Photo: Andrew Njoroge

The talent ranges from simple fine art to mystical abstract art, be it in painting, sculpturing or such related endeavors. The innate urge to create erupts spontaneously among some members of various families.

The murals of Ngecha | Photo: Africancolours.com

The murals of Ngecha | Photos: Andrew Njoroge

Back in mid 1995, a forum was organized where artists had a chance to discuss their problems, to exchange their views and experiences and to probably come up with some solutions in view of the fact that they were falling prey to shrewd proprietors of local galleries and middlemen which made it impossible for the artists to reach the customer directly.

So with all the exploitation and prices of art materials skyrocketing, the forum gave birth to the Ngecha Art Association.

Wall Mural Ngecha | Photos: Andrew Njoroge

Mural in Ngecha Village | Photo: AfricanColours.com

Mural in Ngecha Village | Photos: Andrew Njoroge

The association aims at cooperating with other international visual arts organizations, help to procure art materials, equipments for artists and educational facilities to improve the artist skills as well as encourage the artist to rely more on the locally available raw materials.

Chilren Standing next to a mural in Ngecha

Children Standing next to a mural in Ngecha | Photo: Andrew Njoroge

The Artist Association paints public murals in the village with the input of the community that have political themes and focus on human rights issues. These murals serve to educate villagers about community problems, such as drug use, and human rights such as the right to health and clean water.

The art of Wanyu Brush 2001 | Photo: Andrew Njoroge

Dodge Kangoroti in his village Gallery | Photo: Andrew Njoroge

The famous Wanyu Brush in his Ngecha studio. Brush is known as one of the first artists to be mentored and represented by Gallery Watatu's Ruth Shaffner | Photo: Andrew Njoroge

The art of Wanyu Brush 2001 | Photo: Andrew Njoroge

The artists feel empowered through their artistic expression in the face of poverty and a corrupt political system. They also believe that art sales have developed the community economically and provided hope and gainful employment for youths.

All in all the aim is to improve the artist’s financial, intellectual and social status such that they are in a better position to change the world and leave it a better place than they found it.

For more information visit: www.insideafricanart.com and http://ngechaartist.org

Posted By: Hirum Ndungu

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