VISUAL ARTISTS AND SCULPTORS QUEST TO CHANGE ART SCENE

By Emmanuel Mwendwa

A Nairobi-based art group is bringing together disfranchised artists and sculptors. Solely inspired by a common goal to pool their individual creative resources, the artists also seek to express independent muses within confines of a friendly environment. Ya Afrika Art group comprises about 35 members – all committed to a binding vision: a burning determination to manage themselves by selling art works on their own rather than sell pieces through middle-men or art brokers.

Its members represent an underground movement of local artists, who at some point were probably working under auspices of the numerous art organizations based in Nairobi . Ya-Africa, whose principal objectives are to provide artists with studio space, workshops, materials, as well as the opportunity to exhibit work and take part in touring programs – is currently based at the Mamba Village Resort – situated in Karen.

“When we were driven out of the National Museums of Kenya precincts over three years ago – many artists in our group were seen as not being serious or professionals. But we are determined to change this misconception and to prove that we are not skilled but also guided by a noble vision to change the face of local visual arts scene”, says Wanjohi Nyamu, Ya Africa’s founder member.

he group’s journey to self-reliance started off on a high note after the Mamba Village management offered the artists space to run a gallery at its expansive grounds. The resort’s proprietor, Harun Muturi concedes that it is important indigenous entrepreneurs and the corporate sector support local artists to achieve their aspirations. “When these artists approached me, I did not hesitate to grant them the opportunity to work – space is vital for creativity to flourish and be harnessed,” notes Muturi.

An estimated over 200 art pieces; watercolour, oil, acrylic paintings, pastels; wood, stone, metal, fiber glass sculptures and other mixed media are alternately displayed at Mamba Village’s Art Gallery, established early last year. These works are credited to 40 artists, some yet to join group. ‘We hope to steer an organization, which will spearhead campaigns for local artists’ empowerment’, asserts Wanjohi.

In addition, co-pted members include Evanson Omondi, Salim Peter Mburu, Raymond Mutuku, John Njathi, Patricia Njeri, Anthony Muya, Wilson Mwangi, John Ndung’u, James Mutisya, James Omondi, David Mwaniki, Sam Kimemia, Kevin Kariuki, Henry Muhia, Martin Muhoro, and Peter Gitau, among others. As an independent group – Ya Africa artists are charting a new path in an art landscape, which for years has been dependant on the goodwill of donor organizations.

The group’s strong resolve spawned off years of “..unchecked exploitation..”, as they put it, by self-styled art dealers who have invaded the city’s vibrant visual art market. For much longer can we continue to rely on donor funding? Our collective interests were previously ignored by art organizations whose goals differ with supposed objectives, some that purportedly solicit support for budding artists; but we strongly believe there is s pressing need to prove we can generate income from the sweat of our creativity”, asserts Wanjohi.

Most of the artists affiliated to YA Africa – began their artistic careers at the space and studios provided since mid 1990s at the National Museum grounds. “But when artists were evicted from the Museum, rather than dump our brushes, palettes, chisels we opted to unite and sought alternate working space, which would also to serve as a gallery,’ notes Salim Mburu.

Their newfound freedom at the Mamba Gallery enables Wanjohi and colleagues to explore artistic frontiers, developing the visual art sector’s abundant untapped potential. According to artist James Omondi, the group realized continued dependence solely on donors could in the long term, stifle and even cripple their pursuit of individual goals. In Wanjohi’s view, "visual art and sculptural creations are elsewhere regarded as foreign exchange earners; therefore we propose that African governments quit extending begging bowls to donors and look within for homegrown solutions to problems facing local people”. Available space at Mamba also facilitates regular exhibitions, a factor which previously obstructed unknown artists breaking into the scene. Some Ya Afrika members consider the visual arts as an unexploited tourist attraction sector and a natural resource the government has disregarded.

The African Heritage Management Kenya, is a partner organization, which has been working with the group by exhibiting works by their artists. Numerous other members’ art pieces – paintings and sculptures, are on display at the Queens Wood Lodge, in London , UK On their own initiative, the group’s artists have successfully organized a series of art workshops in key urban centers across Kenya . Last year, they facilitated a traveling exhibition alongside Hawa Women artists group. The showcase, which opened its doors to public in four cities in the UK , running through from January 2006 until early 2007 – further opened up new horizons for the artists to market and expose their creativity.

The group’s artists regularly also participate in public projects, for instance last year's renovation of the Museum Hill road bridge, painting murals, teaching street kids and school children basics in visual arts. Ya Afrika have attracted corporate commissions for sculptures or creative images depicting human figures or wildlife in realism and abstract forms. Most of the group's artists have participated in either solo or group exhibitions at Nairobi ’s limited art galleries.

“We hope that the government will at some point realize the huge potential that lies in developing the visual arts sector. But this goal can only be accomplished if artists prove they can manage their own affairs effectively. Perhaps then – our success will compel potential partners to collaborate with us for mutual benefit”, remarks Wanjohi.

Some of the artists’ creations are exhibited and can also be viewed on the group’s website www.artyaafrica.com

emmanuel@showbizeastafrica.com