The Nairobi National Museum has just concluded its 17th Affordable Art Show, showcasing contemporary East African artists. This month’s edition featured over 750 artists from Nairobi and the broader East African region. It highlights innovative works that celebrate the vibrant contemporary art scene in Nairobi. The event paid tribute to the resilience, diversity, and beauty of Kenya’s capital, particularly for Kenyan youths. Divided into different sections that celebrate themes such as women, nature, animals, and the unique essence of the city, the 17th edition was truly a celebration of this amazing city. A central focus of this edition was the celebration of femininity and its impact on the environment and future generations.
The Affordable Art Fair founders; Hellmuth and Erica Rossler-Musch, a German couple moved to Kenya over 20 years ago after noticing gaps in the contemporary East African contemporary art scene. In turn, they decided to establish a gallery in the upscale Redhill neighborhood of Nairobi. The Affordable Art Show was born out of their passion for promoting local talent. Moreover the favorable policies in the country made it easier for them to establish a gallery in Nairobi. Since its inception, the show has become a major catalyst for the region’s contemporary art scene.
Paper collage on canvas.Image courtesy of Artists Instagram.
The art fair has played a pivotal role in nurturing collectives such as Wajukuu Arts, Mukuru Arts Collective, and Kibera Arts District. It continues to provide a platform for artists and audiences to engage directly with critical societal issues. These include the importance of child care, quality education, the stark class divide between Nairobi’s slums and affluent neighborhoods, climate change, migration, and environmental conservation. Artists have used their work to address these themes head-on, fostering dialogue and awareness.
In response to the rise of protests against femicide, government policies, and foreign influence, the affordable art fair created a safe space to address these issues. Femicide, for instance, is a pressing issue that affects both the youth and society as a whole. Most of the artworks addressed this by providing positive visual representations of femininity. Through their art, these creators honored the beauty and strength of womanhood, offering a counter-narrative to the violence and challenges women face. Additionally, the exhibition showcased a deep admiration for Kenya’s landscape, from its stunning coastlines to its lush highlands, highlighting the profound connection between the country’s natural beauty and the creativity of Nairobi’s artists.
The next edition is in May 2025, and applications are open to artists across Africa. Click here for more information.
