New York’s Montague Contemporary art space is pleased to welcome Kenyan artist Elias Mung’ora for a solo exhibition. Entitled “One of Many Ideas of Home”, this presentation of the African artist’s creative universe will run until June 29, when visitors will have the opportunity to explore the depth through which he conceives his works. Between notions of identity, belonging, family and individual narratives in broader historical contexts, Elias Mung’ora plunges the exhibition space into an enriching atmosphere of self-discovery, of us, of stories.
The contemporary artist uses his personal experiences and relationships, as well as his investigations to better understand his ancestors in Nyeri, central Kenya, to construct the works in “One of Many Ideas of Home”. Through such varied sources, Elias Mung’ora weaves a rich narrative that interrogates the interdependence between individual lives and historical contexts on a wider scale. The exhibition thus appears as a visual narrative, an intimately personal exploration of family narratives, identity and belonging. To immerse and connect with memories and past histories, Elias Mung’ora integrates old family photographs. Often superimposed to the point of obscurity, this process prompts viewers to reflect on how we relate to our past.
At the heart of the “One of Many Ideas of Home” series is the comforting cocoon of the family through the recurring motif of rugs. This everyday accessory is a powerful symbol of contested spaces and the notion of home as both a physical and emotional construct. This aesthetic theme is particularly moving in works such as Lunch in the Midst of an Unplanned Move, where the absence of carpets reflects a moment of displacement and a re-evaluation of what it means to belong. Elias Mung’ora’s artistic approach goes beyond the autobiographical, encouraging visitors to consider their own perceptions of home and identity in the context of Kenya’s colonial history and the universal quest for rootedness and connection.
At Home on My 30th is the culmination of this series. Directing the viewer’s gaze into the interior context of a house, Elias Mung’ora depicts it vividly and movingly. The piece contrasts sharply defined carpets, symbolic of an intimate, claimed space and value, with less defined abstract elements such as walls and ceilings, representing the impermanence of the state of its current rootedness. A perfect emotional and timeless match for the ambience of a home, this work allows each individual admiring it to project themselves into this highly familiar space, yet personal to the Kenyan artist.
In this personal milestone, Elias Mung’ora reflects on the ephemeral nature of home and belonging, using the carpet as both a literal and metaphorical foundation for the space. This work not only reflects a personal sentiment, but also addresses broader themes of identity and cultural heritage, making it a powerful piece for both contemplation and discussion.
