Much can be said about the work of Nairobi-based artist and founder of Kamene Residency, Kaloki Nyamai. His expansive painting practice is dense in its materiality, and his storytelling is as elaborate and narrative as it is symbolic. With his brushstrokes and threaded canvases, Nyamai opens up worlds within worlds. Using found materials, he delves into his personal experience as he builds confluences between social histories and selfhood, unity and diversity, violence and recovery, and nature and culture.
‘I examine a world within a world,’ says the artist. ‘We all have a past that has not been so good to us, yet we still go on as if nothing happened’.
Originally from Kitui, Kenya, Nyamai’s artistic practice serves as a lens through which the viewer can understand our present, as a composite of our shared past. Through meticulous layering of images, paint, and various found materials Kaloki’s work comes alive as sculptural artworks to reveal the intricate details of him ‘stitching the community together.’ With each piece, he confronts the present as a precept of the past.
‘Twe vaa,’ translating to ‘We are here,’ offers a glimpse into Nyamai’s exploration of dichotomous worlds, where moments of respite emerge amid chaos. The exhibition features 10 paintings inviting contemplation between peace and chaos. Inspired by the stories shared by his grandmother, Nyamai’s exhibition serves as a call to action and introspection. It prompts viewers to consider their place in the world and ponder: “How do we move on from here?
The exhibition offers visitors ample time to engage with Nyamai’s captivating artworks. It promises to be an immersive experience, inviting viewers to reflect on African identity, history, and the ever-evolving political landscape.
Nyamai’s work has garnered attention for its revolutionary use of materials, including fire, stitches, and plastic. His works serve as a testament to the power of art to convey complex narratives and provoke thought. With major themes of identity, history, and politics interwoven throughout his monumental compositions,
Nyamai’s work is currently on view at the James Cohan Gallery from March 28th to May 4th, 2024.
For more information about the exhibition and Nyamai’s work, interested individuals can visit the James Cohan Gallery website or inquire directly at the gallery.
