This archive report was first published on 10 October 2019.
On a rooftop in Nairobi's Eastlands suburb, a unique art show is giving young artists a chance to shine. The show, titled 'The Mukuru Art Club. Volume 3,' features over 120 paintings and linocut prints by local artists.
Organized by Adam Masava, the show is a testament to his dedication to promoting young talent. Masava, a local artist himself, has been mentoring students for years and has now provided them with a platform to showcase their work.
The show, which took place on a rooftop in the 'Juicy Fruit'-branded building in South B, was a makeshift gallery that utilized every available space. The artworks were hung from laundry lines and nails hammered into the surrounding brick walls.
Among the exhibiting artists were Mike Kyalo, Charles Ngatia, Abdulmajid Najmadin, and Masava himself. These artists, who are locally established, were invited to help promote younger artists.
Several of Masava's students, including Isaiah Malunga, Dancan Githuka, Benard Musyoki, Anthony Bulima, Vincent Kimeu, Brian Kimani, and Cynthia Bukahza, showcased their works. These young artists, between the ages of 15 and 20, have been mentored by Masava for months or years.
One of the most striking works was Vincent Kimeu's multicolored portrait of a man. Lloyd Weche, an abstract artist, showcased his unique style, reminiscent of American painter Jackson Pollack. Benson Gicharu, a 32-year-old former feather-weight boxer, also showcased his 'celebrity' portraits of Sly (aka Rocky) Stallone and Michael Jackson.
For Masava, the show was about providing a platform for young artists to gain exposure and recognition. He believes that art should be accessible to everyone, and his makeshift gallery on the rooftop was a testament to that.
