Art institutes and galleries stand as invaluable witnesses to artistic and cultural evolution, playing an essential role in bringing works of art to international attention. The Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute (NCAI), a veritable pillar of the artistic landscape, has long been at the forefront of disseminating contemporary East African art around the world. This dynamic venue continues to amaze art lovers and experts alike, presenting works from a variety of generations and backgrounds. From August 8 to September 14, the NCAI is set to unveil a captivating event, bringing together a significant selection from its permanent collection. Entitled “60 Years”, the exhibition promises to be a veritable artistic journey through time, highlighting works acquired from the founding of the art center to the present day.
In anticipation of this exhibition, the NCAI will be closed to the public until August 8, in preparation for an immersive exploration into the heart of the artistic universe of East African countries. “60 Years” will present a magnificent selection of modern and contemporary works by artists from Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This iconic gathering offers a nuanced reading of the cultural and artistic evolution of this vibrant region, testifying to its multiple influences and rich heritage.
The title of the exhibition, “60 Years”, evokes the temporal scope of the works while embodying NCAI‘s unwavering commitment to telling the story of and promoting the dynamism of artistic creation in East Africa. Along the walls of this iconic institute, modern masters such as Afewerk Tekle, Ancent Soi, Pilkington Ssengendo and Theresa Musoke will rub shoulders with contemporary artists such as Chemu Ng’ok, Peterson Kamwathi, Richard Kimathi and Syowia Kyambi. This mix of artistic currents sublimates and intensifies the diversity of representations that art has to offer.
More than just an exhibition, “60 Years” is an immersive journey through the history of art in East Africa. The works on display include iconic pieces that symbolize key movements in the continent’s artistic narrative, while also addressing contemporary socio-political themes. Considered individually, some of the works recall decisive moments in the artists’ creative journeys, while seen as a whole, the works assembled by NCAI weave a thoughtful and avant-garde visual narrative of modern and contemporary art.
This vast collection of artworks has been shaped by the generosity of its benefactors and a dynamic acquisitions program. The Nairobi Institute of Contemporary Art invites the public not to miss this major artistic event, which promises to captivate and inspire with its multiple perspectives and artistic expressions.