This archive report was first published on 10 January 2020.
January 10, 2020, marked a significant shift in the art scene at Karen Country Club, a popular venue in Nairobi. The club's general manager, Sam Mwai, has been instrumental in transforming the space into a hub for contemporary Kenyan art.
Since Mwai took over as general manager in late 2011, the club has seen a surge in interest in local art. 'We have several thousand members, and nearly all the Kenyans have bought art since I came here,' Mwai proudly states.
Under Mwai's leadership, the club has partnered with art curator Tom Simbey to showcase a new collection of art every month. Simbey, an enterprising itinerant curator, creates group exhibitions of contemporary Kenyan art at various venues, including the Royal Golf Club, the Vetlab Golf Club, and the Sagana Getaway Resort.
Simbey notes that the Karen Club has shown the greatest interest in Kenyan art, with visitors drawn to the works of local artists such as Kamau Kariuki, Joy Kemunto, and Kibet Kirui. The club's walls are adorned with an impressive array of art, including paintings, sculptures, and installations.
Among the artists whose work is featured at the club are several women, including Mary Ogembo, Wini Awuondo, and Rose Ahoro. The club's art collection also includes works by Ugandan artists, such as Lukwago and Kasagga, who are well-received in Kenya.
Simbey's strategy of hanging art throughout the club, including in the lobby, lounge, and restaurant, has been successful in engaging visitors and encouraging them to explore the art on display.
As one walks through the club, they are greeted by an impressive array of art, including Kamau Kariuki's five large impesto portraits of Kenyan people and Joy Kemunto's pop art portrait of a green-haired queen. The club's art collection is a testament to the talent and creativity of Kenyan artists.
