“And by the favor of God, you are not mad.”
Kamene Cultural Center, Nairobi is currently showcasing Gods in Action exhibition by Sudanese-Norwegian artist Khalid Shatta. Curated by Rahiem Shadad, the exhibition centers on diverse representations of the divine through art, craft, music, and dance. Rooted in the artist’s homeland, Sudan, Shatta presents a compelling body of work that calls audiences to worship the fluidity and plurality of the divine, which he exalts through beauty, poetry, and ritual.Rooted in his homeland of Sudan, Shatta presents a compelling body of work that invites audiences to engage with the fluidity and plurality of the divine—exalting it through beauty, poetry, and ritual.
“I explore how these expressions are shaped by the environments we live in, how they
differ, and what connects them. This is an invitation to journey from the Nile to the Oceanic
communities of the Pacific, and beyond.” excerpt from Khalid’s artist statement.
Khalid Shatta (b. 1989) was born in the Nuba Mountains of Sudan, where he developed a deep appreciation for the intimate connection between humans and nature. His upbringing continues to inspire his work, especially the innocence, curiosity, and optimism he observed in childhood. Shatta studied at Sudan University of Science, Technology and Fine Arts, becoming the first in his family to graduate.
“I also reflect on the belief systems that allow us to conceptualize the divine—and how these expressions resonate far beyond the boundaries of individual communities.”excerpt from Khalid’s artist statement.
The exhibition features a collection of ballpoint pen drawings, acrylic paintings, and installations, co-created with Sudanese sculptor Heraa Hassan. Gods in Action highlights the plurality of divinity and embraces a divine ambiguity in method and meaning, drawing inspiration from a wide range of spiritual and cultural sources. Central to the exhibition is the Haraza tree, native to Sudan, which serves as a symbol of connection between the earth and the spiritual world. The tree, often found on the banks of the Nile, becomes a grounding point in Shatta’s vision of the divine.
Ink on paper
55.9 × 76.2 cm. Image courtesy of Kamene Cultural Center
The paintings are striking—filled with dense symbolism drawn from Eastern African traditions. Characterized by asymmetrical human faces resembling ritualistic masks, Shatta’s works broaden the contemporary spiritual landscape. He reimagines the Nile as a sacred communal space where diverse expressions of divinity are honored.
Kamene Cultural Center , founded by Kaloki Nyamai, continues to grow as a vital platform for East African artists. Its newly launched writer’s residency provides a safe haven for emerging creatives from across Africa and its diaspora. With its commitment to collaboration, Kamene is shaping itself into a leading cultural hub for expansive, socially engaged art making.
Gods in Action is ongoing and will close on July 12, 2025. Kamene Cultural Center will host an artist talk on June 21, 2025.
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