Shabu Mwangi’s practice focuses on the effects of
contemporary and historical violence, and other forms of
marginalization on individual and collective psyches.
Particularly those brought about by the farce of
democracy and globalization, the isolation of capitalism
and the severed interdependence that human beings
have with each other and the world we inhabit.
Mwangi’s mixed media compositions are an abstracted
emotional reflection of societal and cultural fissures. His
current body of work looks at this structural violence and
how it affects the individual, community and society at
large. He continues to survey emotional and
psychological landscapes within himself and in society to
create densely layered semi-abstracted compositions
Ngugi Waweru is a multimedia artist born in Nakuru, Kenya in 1987 but grew up in Nairobi. Ngugi’s
interest begun in primary school, after which he begun to experiment first with painting then with
woodcut print and much later with sculptures and installations. In 2005, Ngugi started attending art
workshops facilitated by
rofessional and well Kenyan artist which allowed him to Furter embed into the Nairobi contemporary art community.
Ngugi is a founding member of Wajukuu artist collective where he teaches children and young adults to foster the same enthusiasm he has for the arts. In 2015 Ngugi emerged 2nd runners up in Manjano art
competition. As part of Wajukuu artists collective who participated in Documenta Fifteen, Ngugi's art installation was collected by Neue Galerie in Kassel and with Wajukuu artist collective he won the Arnold
Bode prize 2022.
“As a self-taught artist, my education connects to learning from the environment, community of artists and from society. It is more valuable in learning from and then building creative collectives. My work connects to community learning practices in art, including woodblock prints, art of collective
movements in Asia, China, Africa, Latin America also in Europe and North America. Connecting art, social and political movements fighting for freedom, equality, solidarity, justice, fighting colonialism and supporting decolonization. My practice is part of the movement and (informal) school of training. Followed by me and my fellow artist founding Wajukuu artist collective, supporting each other with
share knowledge, becoming a teacher/mentor and a supporter, connecting internationally with other artists, artists collective and their community leading to documenta 15 and winning Arnold Bode Award
as a collective” His artistic practice utilizes installation, sculpture, woodcuts print and painting to explore life’s beautyand its inseparable fragilis, human relationships, space and identity. His themes are predominantly on
the innate strength of individuals and their power to conquer insurmountable odds. To him art is ajourney to the never ending self-discovering.
Started art when I was young, one of the first kids club member who
were taught by the founders of Wajukuu art project. Am proud to have
come this far and been able to offer the same gift to other kids now
The desire arose after realizing that I had strong passion and
determination in the field of art. As time goes by while practicing art, I
was more mystical into art where I started to express and etch my
feelings through paintings and woodcut print to share my thoughts
and distinct stories of our life on how we are suffering due to bad
policies
In our life we have different cultures and sometime I tend to differ
with the western cultures believe because the live with a purpose, to
work, to make money for happiness and our indigenous cultures
believes we’re alive just as nature is alive, to be here, to be beautiful
and strange. We don’t need to achieve anything to be valid in our
humanness
Power and sarcasm; this topics power and sarcasm of people where
they have potential, competence, capable or the ability to do
something but the act opposite to satisfy only their needs.
I use squares to represents the problem, challenges, obstacles;
suffering we go through or what is making us not to achieve a
common goal because of how people relate with each other and the
different perceptions about others thus some people end up running
away instead of trying to find for the solutions.
Born in 1992, November and brought in Kenya, Nairobi, lunga-
lunga, slum; Mukuru whereby life wasn’t that easy due to the hostile
conditions and the vices. What keeps me going is the hope for a
better tomorrow to and my group wajukuu since we are like a
family whereby, we support each other. It is my desire through Art I
can impact other people’s life in the community and beyond.
YOB 1987
Lazarus practice focuses on social engagement of humanity. The power of feminine figure in the society. In his works he emphasizes on the contribution that comes about in bringing stability and balance to the world. In his expressions Lazarus uses his subjects to share his ideologies. Living andworking in the informal settlement of mukuru slums he and fellow graduates from an art school on 2013 established wajukuu art project. Lazarus is a multidisciplinary artist he explores woodcut print, painting and found objects.
Mugoiri Gachiani,(born, 1991) a practicing visual artist in Mukuru, Nairobi. Wajukuu Art is where I have been learning and getting mentorship from artists on my journey, honing my skills. I'm learning, exploring and practising art using painting and incorporating collage. My creation is an exploration of life experiences leading to self discovery and human connection on painting and collage. An expression of events that unfolds in my life bringing either happiness or turmoil.Often events may push to living a solitude life that puts one in a cocoon or builds walls around.
Freshia Njeri [1988]
Through the years I have been able to learn from the workshops organized at Wajukuu and also through
self-practice. As an artist in journey, I use mixed medium to find my strength in all matters. I have been
able to use art as a method of expressing and sharing my world.
My art is\are windows in my life. They are the windows seen through my eyes and shared through my
art, expression of depths of the pain, the vast of emptiness, the layers and the faces of laughter, joy and
beauty throughout my life as seen in my eyes.
One day however a small line of blind text by the name of Lorem Ipsum decided to leave for the far World of Grammar. The Big Oxmox advised her not to do so, because
Sammy Mutinda, is a contemporary visual artist known for his vibrant and emotive
abstract printouts. Drawing inspiration from the natural world and human behaviours,
Sammy explores woodcut block printing, sculpting among other disciplines to create
immersive visual experiences. With a passion for exploring the boundaries of
abstraction, His work invites viewers to explore the interplay between colour, form, and
emotion, making each piece a unique journey into the artist's creative vision. His work
has featured in both international and locally exhibitions.
One day however a small line of blind text by the name of Lorem Ipsum decided to leave for the far World of Grammar. The Big Oxmox advised her not to do so, because
