Africa Travel WeekThe dramatic change from vibrant, bustling Kenyan cities to an eerie, almost palpable silence was an early indication of the devastating impact of COVID-19 on livelihoods, communities, and wildlife in Africa.
The Art of Resilience, a multi-day art exhibition and event, acts as a catalyst for change and hope for the future. Looking out on the New York skyline, High Line Nine – an art museum at the epicentre of the city’s visual, performing arts, and design community – will host this event, proceeds from the ticket sales will go to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is a UNESCO World Heritage site that invests in the livelihoods of its neighbours by offering educational programmes around healthcare, water and micro-enterprises on an ongoing basis.
The exhibit will take place in New York from 2-11 September and will showcase art inspired by the landscapes and people of Kenya:
Mary Ogembo
A Kenyan artist known to demystify the African woman and push back on stereotypes. Her work in oils illustrates the beauty of their everyday lives and the use of earthy colours brings the lifeblood of Kenya into her work beautifully.
Anyango Mpinga
Kenyan born eco-innovator Anyango Mpinga has taken fashion up a notch and explores the fashion industry’s radical textile design systems and sustainability. This forward-thinker has designed clothes with circularity and luxury in mind, resulting in ever-evolving and sustainable high-fashion items. Mpinga’s hard work does not stop here; her initiative Free As A Human raises awareness around human trafficking, and a large part of her work supports and funds this initiative.
Joel Kioko
Kenya’s ballet prodigy, this internationally trained performer, came from a poor neighbourhood in Kenya and managed to climb to stardom – inspiring a new generation of dancers. This artiste has recently been offered a spot at the reputable English National Ballet School.
Dennis Muraguri
A vibrant artist that looks to explore urban culture, Muraguri is a mixed media artist primarily working in printmaking and sculpture. With exhibits around the globe and displaying carvings inspired from home, Muraguri leaves the public pondering the life and energy of his home country, Kenya.
Paul Onditi
Onditi’s work addresses themes of pollution, climate change and fragmented societies. The artwork moves the public as it highlights issues that affect all of humanity. Illustrating the vast differences between buzzing cities and areas of utter desolation, the similarity to the effect Covid-19 had on communities is chilling.
Elias Mung’ora
Mung’ora uses observation and photography to map out and understand the Nairobi he has come to know. The visual elements in his work pull in and out of focus, portraying a fictive quality developed when behind the camera.
Charlie V. Rose
A BAFTA-nominated videographer, this artist has worked with top brands around the globe. With a passion for conservation, he has been behind the camera capturing rangers and locals caught in the crisis of anti-poaching. Rose has raised money to support ranger welfare in Kenya and continues to display this passion in his work today.
Migwa Nthinga
Presenting different perspectives that elicit deep emotions in his photography, Nthinga is an award-winning visual storyteller who loves telling people’s stories and the places they call home from the other side of the lens.
Pie Herring
A London-based artist, Herring’s paintings tenderly portray human and societal issues. With a significant focus on women and their many gazes, Herring illustrates the preconceived ideas around women and society.
The Art of Resilience event takes place between 2-11 September 2021 and looks to raise funds for the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.
An opening night party will take place on the 1st of September at the High Line Nine in New York City, and you are invited! Running from 6-9 PM, guests will view the exhibition, enjoy drinks on the patio and a performance by Kenyan dance sensation, Joel Kioko, as well as enjoy conversation with Special Guest Speaker, African Art Collector, Co-Founder of BluChipArt, & Artist, Olusanya Ojikutu.
If you are unable to attend the opening but want to learn more about the exhibit and the featured artists, please subscribe to the newsletter and follow Lewa Next Gen on Instagram. You can also support Lewa Next Gen’s mission by making a donation.
To purchase your ticket: CLICK HERE
To find out more about Lewa Wildlife Conservancy: CLICK HERE
