Kenyan Artist Features Ksh 42Million Paintings in First US Solo Show

A collage of artist Kaloki Nyamai and one of his paintings from the 'Memories I Wish I Had' collection
A collage of artist Kaloki Nyamai and one of his paintings from the 'Memories I Wish I Had' collection
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Kaloki Nyamai studio

A solo show in the art world is among the proudest moments of an artist let alone a solo show in the United States, a first-world nation.

Kaloki Nyamai, a Kenyan from Kitui county featured his artwork at a solo exhibition show in the US.

Seven pieces from his collection dubbed 'Memories I Wish I Had' hang high in Keijsers Koning gallery in Dallas Texas.

With the solo show running from September 10 to September 18, three paintings have been sold. Each of the pieces is estimated to go for a  maximum of Ksh6 million. 

One of Kaloki Nyamia's paintings
One of Kaloki Nyamia's paintings
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Kaloki Nyamai studio

Interestingly, his collection 'Memories I Wish I Had' focuses on the relationships within families and how memories or the desire for one has informed the artist's stance on fatherhood.

His paintings are described to hold a deeper sense of universal connection that has led to massive support despite them being inspired by Kaloki's life.

"It's that thing of silent support, where you're told, We are with you. You will never fall if we're here. And that was so overwhelming until I almost was in tears because they felt the connection," Kaloki told The Dallas Morning News.

The contemporary artist puts on paper a visual representation of family moments that have inspired him in the industry.

In his paintings, Kaloki uses several layers of paper, old photographs, and rubber thread to increase the depth of the painting's story line.

“It is like when you go to the streets and you see posters in the street, and then you will see a poster from last year, Another poster on top of each other, another one on top of each other.

You can tell. ‘Oh, this thing has been pasted over a certain period of time,” the artist described his process.

He goes as far as stepping on the canvas while working on a painting to create a masterpiece.

Through his work, Kaloki urges Kenyans and the world to move past negative experiences and create a better future. He compared the process to going through the fire with open wounds.

Besides his exhibition in the US, the 35-year-old has also showcased his artwork at the 2022 Venice Biennale, the world's most prestigious exhibition.

“I always have an idea of what I’m going to do, but I never know how it’s going to come out, It’s like working somewhere new, where you’re expecting something. You might be surprised,” he conclusively added about his painting process.

A collage of two paintings done by Kaloki Nyamai
A collage of two paintings done by Kaloki Nyamai
Instagram
Kaloki Nyamai studio
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