“Sane Wadu : I Hope So” showing opens at Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute

Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute is a newly established art gallery in the leafy suburbs of Rosslyn – Runda neighborhood. The gallery opened its doors to feature its first artist Sane Wadu on 13th January with patrons in attendance including Minister for Sports, Culture and Heritage Amb. Amina C. Mohammed.

From L to R: Curatorial assistant, Angela Muritu, CS Amina Mohammed, artist Sane Wadu, and NCAI Founder, Michael Armitage.
Visitors to the gallery on opening night.
Visitors to the gallery on opening night.

The showing explores elements of village life, spirituality and political principles and much more. The airy feel of the gallery complimented the colorful mix media offering of the critically acclaimed Kenyan artist who first came onto the art scene in 1984.

Unabashed and experimental, Sane Wadu’s work dabbles within the bounds of abstract expressionism and surrealism. But more importantly, he captures the larger than life trappings of Africa’s modern society beyond labels of artistic classifications.

Mukami Kuria curates the showing, making use of the loft-like space; taking patrons on a journey of the works of the artist who left clerical work to pursue art. The themes of the show are heavy, demanding patrons to stop and think much deeper; yet probably not as deeply as the artist did while creating these pieces.  He touches on fundamental subject matter, such as existential doubt in various pieces. In “Msafiri” and “Afraid of Being (What One Is)” Wadu draws in art-lovers through his process and presentation. His early years also explore Christianity within the context of African culture in pieces such as “Adam and Eve” and “Bless This Our Daily Bread.”

Sane Wadu, “Bless This Our Daily Bread” 1984,Watercolour on paper.
Sane Wadu “Picking Tea,” 1985 Gouache on paper.
Sane Wadu, “Beast of Burden” 1988, Woodcut print on paper.

Now celebrating four decades as an artist, Wadu has not only horned his craft but has led the way for those who now enjoy the freedoms of artistic expression. His piece “Black Moses” from 1993; a released during the Moi era is a glimpse into the political minefield within which artistic commentary was often suffocated.

Sane Wadu, “Black Moses” 1993, oil on canvas.
“Ngecha” by Sane Wadu.
An assorted collection of mixed media art.

Sanu Wade and his wife Eunice established a trust in 2010. The Eunice Wadu and Sane Wadu Arts Trust provide community and arts education in Naivasha. According to the Nairobi Contemporary Arts Institute, Sane maintains an interest in engaging with varied publics, running art therapy workshops and classes for school children, street children and those incarcerated.

With more art galleries opening up within the city, Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute has kicked off the year with an engaging presentation.

The show will be open to the public till 30th of March 2022.

Images by Maingi Kabera and Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute.

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