Diani
Art is a series of art events presented by
a group of local artists and art
promoters.
The
first Exhibition in the series is
scheduled for Saturday, December 6 through
to Sunday, December 7 and is an incredible
collection of artistic talent.
This
key date in the cultural calendar is the
place to buy, and view art, as many of the
works will be available for purchase,
providing a rare opportunity to own some
exhibits.
Keen
collectors and art patrons will be spoiled
for choice as over a hundred artworks will
be featured.
The
exhibition will showcase contemporary
works by several local artists and is
designed to allow interaction between the
artists and art collectors, art
enthusiasts, residents and tourists alike.
The
featured artists will be on site at the
event, painting and showcasing their
skills.
This
diverse group of contemporary artists
represents the vitality of the current
contemporary art scene.
Spanning
all areas of the modern art arena, these
artists fashion their visions using both
traditional and modern techniques.
Among
the artists showcased are: Eirik Jarl
Trondsen, a graduate of Holbęk Art
Coll-ege, Denmark who is currently based
at Msambweni, South Coast. His work is a
celebration of life and all it has to
offer.
It
gives energy to a brighter, happier world.
Organic
form, often on several layers is a common
theme through his paintings.
His
trademark style of painting shows form
dissolving, and regaining form.
Eirik
prefers large paintings on canvas and
wood, using mainly acrylic paint.
His
painting style is fast and expressive.
Eirik's previous exhibitions include a
Zanzibar exhibition (at ZIFF 2004), Ghetto
Art exhibition (2005), Holbęk exhibitions
(1995) and permanent exhibitions at Kusini
café (2007/2008).
Nelly
Wanjiru Kamau (Mama Uji) is a seasoned
artist who has exhibited widely.
Her
unique style encompasses the use of local
soils and crushed rock instead of paint to
produce her works.
She
also likes to experiment with different
media to produce an effect that is utterly
her own.
She
travels all over the country to source
soils of different colours and textures.
Nelly
is based at Mangro Art Gallery in Diani
Beach.
She
is happiest when focusing on what she
refers to as "healing art" i.e.
giving art workshops and training to
orphans, street kids, children in
rehabilitation schools and sick children
in hospitals.
Her
deep involvement in the community helps to
give art exposure to local youth.
George
Killeen, born in Boston, Massacheusetts,
is currently a teacher at the Aga Khan
Academy in Mombasa.
His
journey as an artist and a traveler began
while he was young and eventually led him
to Italy where he taught painting and
figure drawing at the United World College
in Trieste.
His
appreciation of living in new surroundings
became a source of inspiration and led him
to live, teach and exhibit his work in the
United Arab Emirates, Cairo, Egypt,
Switzerland and currently Mombasa.
He
says "I'm always collecting new
images and ideas and letting them converse
with my identity ... to co-exist with
memories of
home." George also has a Café
Gallery called Jahazi at the Old Town in
Mombasa.
GT
is the signature for partners Tito Onodera
and Gachoki Rugoiyo.
Tito
and Gachoki always paint together sharing
canvas and paints.
Together
they hash out a concept for a painting and
once the concept is clear and accepted by
both of them, then the ideas are brought
to life with each partner taking turns on
the canvas.
Side
by side, they work in turns producing an
amazingly fluid, lucid, picture that makes
it impossible to distinguish where Tito's
work ends and Gachoki's work begins and
vice versa.
Tito
has been drawing all his life.
When
asked to describe their work he says:
"We
work from photographs and imagination and
are self taught artists.
"We
are greatly influenced by the Renaissance
period. We also do paintings of
Mombasa".
Tito
and Gachoki have a range of artistic
techniques from the traditional, oil on
canvas potraits, oil on watercolor paper.
Nicho
is a familiar name and face in Diani
Beach.
He
is a well-known artist in Diani and has
exhibited in Birmingham UK, and in New
York, USA.
One
of his paintings is on permanent exhibit
at the Nairobi National Archives.
Nicho's
work is an experience in colour and
flowing brushwork, capturing local scenes
and peoples through an abstract eye.
His
work can be seen at his Gallery on Beach
Road opposite Wonder Paradise.
These
and other artists have come together with
Msanii Arts a local art gallery and
promoter, with a view to regularly
showcase contemporary art at the South
Coast.
This
group is passionate about art and is
excited to work together to provide more
exposure for artistic creativity in all
its forms.
Future
events will also show case Ghetto Art,
sculpture, ceramics, photography and other
visual arts.
Please
contact Rachel Mwandia of Msanii Arts for
further information.
