Forests and Art Come Together at The Nairobi National Museum's Tree Life Exhibition

Kenya Tue 19-07-2011

Forests and Art Come Together at The Nairobi National Museum's Tree Life Exhibition
Press Release | Maasai House

In support and celebration of 2011, the ‘International Year of Forests’ Maasai House has organized an exhibition to raise awareness and create dialogue around trees and the environment entitled the Tree Life Exhibition at the Nairobi National Museum, between the 7th and 31st July.

Blue Gums, 2011 by Mary Collis

Blue Gums by Mary Collis

The Minister for Forestry and Wildlife Hon. Dr. Noah Wekesa remarks, "Kenyans, especially forest adjacent communities rely on forests for essential goods and services for their livelihoods. More than 80% of Kenyans outside urban areas depend on forests for firewood, grazing, herbal medicine, and water among other benefits.

He continues, "The role of forests to the economy is also critical for mainstay sectors including agriculture, tourism, and energy. In light of these benefits to Kenyans and millions of people around the world, 2011 was declared the International Year of Forests by the United Nations as a means to raise awareness and strengthen the sustainable forest management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests for the benefit of current and future generations.

Works on show at the Tree Life Exhibition

"The exhibition highlights the harmony that should exist, specifically between man and nature, with life in the forests as’ the focus.

"The exhibition boosts the International Year of Forests efforts to raise awareness through art on display in the hope that Kenyans will become more sensitive to the environment and how what we do or what we don’t do will affect our forests, lives and that of the generations we hope will follow," he says

Kenya and Finland share the same sentiment when it comes to forests.

"It has been said that 'forests are the landscape of Finnish people’s sole'. This is easy to understand when remembering that over 70 percent of the land area of Finland is covered by the 'green gold”.It is crucial for the' economic growth and wellbeing in Finland," says Mrs. Heli Sirve, the Ambassador of Finland to Kenya.

She continues, "Forests continue to be an important inspiration for many of our artists including composers, novelists, painters, photographers and sculptors and they are of essential recreational value for ordinary Finns.

"I am very delighted to see that forests and trees are also a source of inspiration for so many talented artists in Kenya," she says.

"These colourful paintings are full of positive energy, the beautiful wood carvings present the warmth of the material and the photographs from the Karura forest remind us about the importance of its conservation.

"The Embassy of Finland is honoured to be associated with this exhibition celebrating the 'International Year of Forests'. The exhibition adds an important cultural dimension to the forests and their sustainable management."

Professor Njoroge Karanja, Chairman of The Friends of Karura Forest Association sheds some light on what he calls a Nairobi's 'pristine jewel'.

"Karura Forest is a 1300 hectare, pristine jewel of both indegineous and exotic trees right in the City of Nairobi. The Friends of Karura Forest have secured this forest by erecting a fence around it, he says.

"Its now open for public enjoyment for that morning jog, a serene nature walk, a discovery walk of the Mau Mau caves along Karura River amidst a misty waterfall or a quiet birdwatching experience where more than sixty birdspecies make the place their home. A place for everyone young and old." More information on Karura Forest can be found on www.karuraforest.org

This exhibition was organized in support and in celebration of the ‘International Year of Forests’. Maasai House thanks all those who have assisted with the exhibition and special thanks is given to the individual artists who have contributed to the ongoing discussion and education of Kenya’s forests and in particular Karura Forest in Nairobi with their interpretation of the ‘Tree’ theme through their paintings, sculpture and photography. Several artists have taken direct inspiration form Karura Forest and Maasai House welcomes their attempts to help raise awareness and create dialogue around trees and the environment.

Part of the proceeds of the exhibition will be donated to various ongoing projects in Karura Forest in support of their conservation efforts.

With this exhibition Maasai House hopes to bring more awareness to African Art which is slowly beginning to gain momentum internationally. Maasai House will continue to select and catalogue the best of East African Art.

Special thanks to co sponsors:

National Museums of Kenya / Nairobi National Museum
Sandeep Desai
Tony Wainaina

Exhibition Organizers and Sponsors:

Maasai House Limited
National Museums of Kenya
Sandeep Desai
Tony Wainaina

Exhibition Curators:

Camille Wekesa
Lydia Galavu (Nairobi National Museums)

Design, Artwork and Catalogue Photography of The Tree Life Exhibition Catalogue by James Muriuki

Posted By: Allan Kapten

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