The Red Hill Art Gallery in Nairobi showcases a diverse collection of sculptures and drawings, highlighting the work of Kenyan and international artists. Among the featured pieces are 17 sculptures, including classic Makonde carvings, modern works by Dennis Muraguri, and three carvings by Morris Foit, a pioneering Kenyan artist.
Foit, born Morris Njau, adopted his Czech tutor’s surname, Francis Foit, after being introduced to sculpture by him. Now in his seventies, Foit continues to create in his Ngecha studio, which became a hub for artists like King Dodge and the Wadu family. His largest piece at the gallery depicts a man blowing a spiraling horn, while two smaller works feature mischievous birds with exaggerated beaks.
Muraguri’s helmet-shaped sculpture, carved from a pepper tree trunk, reflects his approach of letting the wood’s natural form dictate the design. Inspired by a fantasy film, the piece was previously displayed at The Circle Art Gallery in Nairobi. Also on exhibit are six ebony carvings by the Tanzanian Dastani family, known for their dreamlike, shape-shifting figures that retain remnants of the original tree branches.
The gallery also features Makonde works renowned for their intricate balance of form and line, alongside pieces by Bernhard Pius and Henry Munyarazi. Mbuno’s wax crayon drawings, displayed on walls and a table, depict surreal scenes where humans and animals interact in ambiguous roles, reflecting his experiences as a safari cook and his current Ukambani studio view.
A separate exhibition in Lamu, hosted at Kinooni House, will debut Italian artist Laura Vizzardi’s paintings exploring African-Italian cultural connections. Her works, influenced by Gustav Klimt, depict elaborately dressed figures in vibrant compositions. The show runs through March 31, followed by a series of portraits by Neil Charles Simpson.
