May Selection From OneOff Gallery

Kenya Mon 17-05-2010

May Selection From OneOff Gallery
By Carol Lees

Stuff from above by Richard Kimathi, oil on canvas, 142 x 147 cm

Truly a collector’s item for those who are serious about Kenyan art; this piece was one of three by the artist chosen to represent Kenya at the Dakar Biennale in 2006.

The Dak’Art catalogue acknowledges that the work ‘provokes the viewer into contemplation of the ambiguities posed by the image’; the painting was in fact inspired by a starving mother of puppies who received small snacks from the artist tossed from his fourth floor balcony and the evident compassion is a trait that underpins this artist’s work.

Our turn to eat by Michael Soi, acrylic on canvas, 88 x 68 cm

Inspired by Michela Wrong’s book on the extraordinary levels of corruption within the Kenyan Government, this work needs little further explanation. Soi runs a political commentary through all his works…

Crying for peace by Sane Wadu, oil on canvas, 64 x 89cm

Sane Wadu has maintained his position as the most published Kenyan artist and no collection of art from the region is complete without a ‘ Wadu’.

This particular piece is especially prized as it dates from 1989, a time when Kenya’s Tribal Clashes were an ongoing theme for the Moi regime. Notice the beautifully depicted ‘Doves of peace’ in this work.

Her pet by James Mbuthia, oil on canvas, 100 x 100cm

An enormously popular artist from the Banana Hill region, James Mbuthia’s works of late have taken on a joyful quality which reflect his current personal circumstances.

This work is something of a transition piece reflecting the more ethereal brush work of his earlier style in the upper third and moving into the more defined strokes of his recent work.

Stupidity never runs out of style by Bertiers, oil on canvas, 46 x 71cm

Another artist who represented his country at Dak’Art in 2006, Bertiers won the sculpture award at the Biennale and has gone from strength to strength.

His works need no explanation; each is a complete narrative in itself and anyone needing to carry a light hearted memory of some of Kenya’s chaotic townships need look no further than these wonderfully intricate and lively works.

Cat Painting Series By Bertiers, Oil On anvas, 51 x 76 cm

Bertiers has been chosen to show as the solo artist in a London Gallery in 2011.

True Story by Simon Muriithi, mixed media on canvas, 117 x 70cm

Simon Muriithi is an enormously successful independent artist who is widely exhibited throughout Kenya. He has a strong personal style which also translates well into print, which he studied at Bath Spa University and the London Print Studio.

He paints his surroundings with a quirky humour which is shown well in this work.

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