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NAME: Moses Wafula Sabayi

TITLE: The Maidens of Nairobi

MEDIUM: Oil and Acrylic on Canvas

DIMENSIONS: 80 x 100 cm

ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: The plight of a teenage commercial sex worker, hustling to earn a living.
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Paintings & Mixed Media
manjano
NAME: Moses Wafula Sabayi TITLE: The Maidens of Nairobi MEDIUM: Oil and Acrylic on Canvas DIMENSIONS: 80 x 100 cm ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: The plight of a teenage commercial sex worker, hustling to earn a living. ARTIST PROFILE: Kenyatta University trained Moses Wafula draws his artistic inspiration from exploration of how culture, fashion, time and love affect ordinary people in their everyday lives.
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NAME: Solomon Muchemi

TITLE: Memory from Mujengo

MEDIUM: Acrylic on Canvas

DIMENSIONS: 115 x 70 cm

ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: The artist remembers the first time he came to Nairobi. The impressions of a growing city were fixed in his memory, with the image of a big crane hauling concrete blocks at Museum Hill first among them.
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Paintings & Mixed Media
manjano
NAME: Solomon Muchemi TITLE: Memory from Mujengo MEDIUM: Acrylic on Canvas DIMENSIONS: 115 x 70 cm ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: The artist remembers the first time he came to Nairobi. The impressions of a growing city were fixed in his memory, with the image of a big crane hauling concrete blocks at Museum Hill first among them. ARTIST PROFILE: Solomon is a self-taught artist who started painting at a tender age, after discovering his gift on pen and paper, sketching everything that came to mind when he had a free moment.
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NAME: Christine Wanjiru

TITLE: Nairobi Skyline

MEDIUM: Acrylic on Canvas

DIMENSIONS: 60 x 60 cm

ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: An exploration of the contrasting sides of Nairobi. One cannot help but notice the stark contrasts and idiosyncrasies that make Nairobi the city it is. From glam to the gutter, from the high-rise to the shanty, it is a city of difficult dynamics – explored through a lens of Ying and Yang.
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Paintings & Mixed Media
manjano
NAME: Christine Wanjiru TITLE: Nairobi Skyline MEDIUM: Acrylic on Canvas DIMENSIONS: 60 x 60 cm ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: An exploration of the contrasting sides of Nairobi. One cannot help but notice the stark contrasts and idiosyncrasies that make Nairobi the city it is. From glam to the gutter, from the high-rise to the shanty, it is a city of difficult dynamics – explored through a lens of Ying and Yang. ARTIST PROFILE: Christine is a graduate of Kenyatta University and enjoys working with human figures. She cites surrealism and cubism as sources of inspiration. She seeks to explore these styles to communicate her ideas drawn from personal experiences and current affairs.
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NAME: Christine Wanjiru

TITLE: Nairobi Thug Life

MEDIUM: Acrylic on Canvas

DIMENSIONS: 60 x 50 cm

ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: An exploration of the toxicity of selfish human activity in Nairobi. From corruption to environmental pollution, and more – all as injustice to the people.
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Paintings & Mixed Media
manjano
NAME: Christine Wanjiru TITLE: Nairobi Thug Life MEDIUM: Acrylic on Canvas DIMENSIONS: 60 x 50 cm ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: An exploration of the toxicity of selfish human activity in Nairobi. From corruption to environmental pollution, and more – all as injustice to the people. ARTIST PROFILE: Christine is a graduate of Kenyatta University and enjoys working with human figures. She cites surrealism and cubism as sources of inspiration. She seeks to explore these styles to communicate her ideas drawn from personal experiences and current affairs.
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NAME: Ishmael Opondo

TITLE: Ultimate Remedy

MEDIUM: Acrylic on Canvas

DIMENSIONS: 43 x 64 cm

ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: A sore subject for many – infidelity. Numerous types of revenge often ensue, sometimes even murder. The artist is offering a solution.
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Paintings & Mixed Media
manjano
NAME: Ishmael Opondo TITLE: Ultimate Remedy MEDIUM: Acrylic on Canvas DIMENSIONS: 43 x 64 cm ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: A sore subject for many – infidelity. Numerous types of revenge often ensue, sometimes even murder. The artist is offering a solution. ARTIST PROFILE: A self-taught and Umoja-based artist, Ishmael finds inspiration in one thing- love.
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Judges’ Special Mention

NAME: Adam Masava

TITLE: BS (Bus Station)

MEDIUM: Mixed Media

DIMENSIONS: 80 x 100 cm

ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: A demonstration of how busy Nairobi’s main bus station is, deftly capturing the chaos and disorganization that are its hallmark.
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Paintings & Mixed Media
manjano
Judges' Special Mention NAME: Adam Masava TITLE: BS (Bus Station) MEDIUM: Mixed Media DIMENSIONS: 80 x 100 cm ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: A demonstration of how busy Nairobi’s main bus station is, deftly capturing the chaos and disorganization that are its hallmark. ARTIST PROFILE: Born in Bondo, South B-Based Adam Masava is an artist and mentor of young artists in his community. Adam is a self-taught artist whose work is significantly inspired by his experiences growing up in a Nairobi slum area. Through his work, the artist is keen to reflect the positive perspectives of life in the slum, with a view to disprove stereotypes associated with low-income areas in Nairobi and around the world.Judges' Comment Click here to readThis is a competition and not everyone can be a winner. We looked at a large body of work. In the established artist category alone, we saw about 140 pieces of work by various artists in different media addressing various subjects. The works we include in the Judges’ Mention are works which, though not necessarily winners, set themselves apart. They stand out in their creator’s execution of the theme and approach to the subject matter. These pieces demonstrate that the artists have thought […]
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NAME: John Mwangi

TITLE: Nairobi Rain Scare

MEDIUM: Mixed Media

DIMENSIONS: 26 x 37 cm

ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: The panic of Nairobians running for shelter in a sudden downpour.
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manjano
NAME: John Mwangi TITLE: Nairobi Rain Scare MEDIUM: Mixed Media DIMENSIONS: 26 x 37 cm ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: The panic of Nairobians running for shelter in a sudden downpour. ARTIST PROFILE: John ‘Mega’ Mwangi is a self-taught artist based in Nairobi’s Gikomba trading area. Art is his platform for self-expression, offering an insider-view of what goes on in his neighborhood.
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NAME: Michael Kyalo

TITLE: The Express Life

MEDIUM: Acrylic on Canvas

DIMENSIONS: 130 x 180 cm

ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: A glimpse of the role of infrastructure development in Nairobi, and the resultant creation of jobs for the youth. The piece is inspired by the Mombasa Road express highway.
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Paintings & Mixed Media
manjano
NAME: Michael Kyalo TITLE: The Express Life MEDIUM: Acrylic on Canvas DIMENSIONS: 130 x 180 cm ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: A glimpse of the role of infrastructure development in Nairobi, and the resultant creation of jobs for the youth. The piece is inspired by the Mombasa Road express highway. ARTIST PROFILE: Based in Nairobi’s South B area, Mike Kyalo is inspired by the theme of Men at Work.
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NAME: Charles Mutune

TITLE: What’s Next?

MEDIUM: Mixed Media

DIMENSIONS: 54 x 57 cm

ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: The Covid lockdown and the resultant state of mind.
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NAME: Charles Mutune TITLE: What's Next? MEDIUM: Mixed Media DIMENSIONS: 54 x 57 cm ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: The Covid lockdown and the resultant state of mind. ARTIST PROFILE: Trained at the Buru Buru Institute of Fine Arts, Charles creates artwork that is inspired by a compelling desire to change society and reflect the day-to-day lives of people. The artist seeks to be a voice of positivity in a world overrun with negativity.
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NAME: Adam Masava

TITLE: Stranded

MEDIUM: Mixed Media

DIMENSIONS: 160 x 80 cm

ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: Matatus are the heartbeat of Nairobi’s public transportation system. And yet without clear directions, it is difficult to navigate the labyrinth that is the system. Adam used discarded signs to create this work.
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Paintings & Mixed Media
manjano
NAME: Adam Masava TITLE: Stranded MEDIUM: Mixed Media DIMENSIONS: 160 x 80 cm ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: Matatus are the heartbeat of Nairobi’s public transportation system. And yet without clear directions, it is difficult to navigate the labyrinth that is the system. Adam used discarded signs to create this work. ARTIST PROFILE: Bondo-born, South B-Based Adam Masava is an artist and mentor of young artists in his community. Adam is a self-taught artist whose work is significantly inspired by his experiences growing up in a Nairobi slum area. Through his work, the artist is keen to reflect the positive perspectives of life in the slum, with a view to disprove stereotypes associated with low-income areas in Nairobi and around the world.
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NAME: Edwin Jongo

TITLE: Nairobi Shadows (I)

MEDIUM: Acrylic on Canvas

DIMENSIONS: 105.5 x 75.5 cm

ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: Nairobi’s infamous rush hour traffic.
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Paintings & Mixed Media
manjano
NAME: Edwin Jongo TITLE: Nairobi Shadows (I) MEDIUM: Acrylic on Canvas DIMENSIONS: 105.5 x 75.5 cm ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: Nairobi’s infamous rush hour traffic. ARTIST PROFILE: The Komarock-based is inspired by the day-to-day life of the common mwananchi and others along the journey.
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Judges’ Special Mention

NAME: Josephy Mutuku

TITLE: Happy Holidays

MEDIUM: Acrylic on Canvas

DIMENSIONS: 120 x 100 cm

ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: Inspired by how Kenyans celebrate the Christmas holidays with a twist of surrealism to evoke different emotions.
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Paintings & Mixed Media
manjano
Judges' Special Mention NAME: Josephy Mutuku TITLE: Happy Holidays MEDIUM: Acrylic on Canvas DIMENSIONS: 120 x 100 cm ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: Inspired by how Kenyans celebrate the Christmas holidays with a twist of surrealism to evoke different emotions. ARTIST PROFILE: Joseph draws inspiration from the ordinary affairs of life, whether cultural, political, or social, and how they impact communities either positively or negatively.Judges' Comment Click here to readThis is a competition and not everyone can be a winner. We looked at a large body of work. In the established artist category alone, we saw about 140 pieces of work by various artists in different media addressing various subjects. The works we include in the Judges’ Mention are works which, though not necessarily winners, set themselves apart. They stand out in their creator’s execution of the theme and approach to the subject matter. These pieces demonstrate that the artists have thought clearly about their subject, and reflect a considered approach to medium, idea and presentation. These artists have worked hard to respond to the theme, and to have the theme meet their own practice and interests in a way that does more than recount a certain idea or just narrate a basic […]
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Judges’ Special Mention

NAME: Edna Taabu Munyoki

TITLE: Does My Hair Make You Uncomfortable?

MEDIUM: Mixed Media

DIMENSIONS: 80 x 150 cm

ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: An exploration of the relationship between women and their hair, in the context of society’s expectations of them.
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Paintings & Mixed Media
manjano
Judges' Special Mention NAME: Edna Taabu Munyoki TITLE: Does My Hair Make You Uncomfortable? MEDIUM: Mixed Media DIMENSIONS: 80 x 150 cm ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: An exploration of the relationship between women and their hair, in the context of society’s expectations of them. ARTIST PROFILE: Edna draws from her experience as a city girl who was raised in a Christian home as she explores various themes in her artwork. Being exposed to life in the city and her interaction with the people and environment feature prominently in her artistic expression.Judges' Comment Click here to readThis is a competition and not everyone can be a winner. We looked at a large body of work. In the established artist category alone, we saw about 140 pieces of work by various artists in different media addressing various subjects. The works we include in the Judges’ Mention are works which, though not necessarily winners, set themselves apart. They stand out in their creator’s execution of the theme and approach to the subject matter. These pieces demonstrate that the artists have thought clearly about their subject, and reflect a considered approach to medium, idea and presentation. These artists have worked hard to respond to the theme, […]
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Judges’ Special Mention

NAME: Xavier Makokha

TITLE: Corona Masked II

MEDIUM: Acrylic on Paper

DIMENSIONS: 30 X 20 cm

ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: A depiction of how the pandemic has affected the transport sector. The makanga or matatu touts still have daily targets to meet and matatu owners to pay daily. This is despite shorter working hours due to the curfew and running their trips at half the regular capacity.
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Paintings & Mixed Media
manjano
Judges' Special Mention NAME: Xavier Makokha TITLE: Corona Masked II MEDIUM: Acrylic on Paper DIMENSIONS: 30 X 20 cm ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: A depiction of how the pandemic has affected the transport sector. The makanga or matatu touts still have daily targets to meet and matatu owners to pay daily. This is despite shorter working hours due to the curfew and running their trips at half the regular capacity. ARTIST PROFILE: Xavier is a self-taught artist based in Kibera, at the Maasai Mbili Collective. He explores his environment and channels it into his artistic creationsJudges' Comment Click here to readThis is a competition and not everyone can be a winner. We looked at a large body of work. In the established artist category alone, we saw about 140 pieces of work by various artists in different media addressing various subjects. The works we include in the Judges’ Mention are works which, though not necessarily winners, set themselves apart. They stand out in their creator’s execution of the theme and approach to the subject matter. These pieces demonstrate that the artists have thought clearly about their subject, and reflect a considered approach to medium, idea and presentation. These artists have worked hard […]
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Judges’ Special Mention

NAME: Nelson Ijagaa

TITLE: Lagos Hotel

MEDIUM: Mixed Media

DIMENSIONS: 60.5 x 96.5 cm

ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: The Lagos Hotel in Nairobi’s central business district. The activity at the regularly busy bus stop is now muted due to the COVID restrictions and lockdown. The stillness of the space is completely out of character. The artwork is augmented with extra content viewable through Artivive app.
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Paintings & Mixed Media
manjano
Judges' Special Mention NAME: Nelson Ijagaa TITLE: Lagos Hotel MEDIUM: Mixed Media DIMENSIONS: 60.5 x 96.5 cm ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: The Lagos Hotel in Nairobi’s central business district. The activity at the regularly busy bus stop is now muted due to the COVID restrictions and lockdown. The stillness of the space is completely out of character. The artwork is augmented with extra content viewable through Artivive app. ARTIST PROFILE: Nelson is a graduate of Graffins College and is based in Lower Kabete. Through his work, the artist seeks to offer a true depiction of his country/locality through a socio-political and critical lens. He aims to highlight what anyone from outside the city wouldn't know about Nairobi.Judges' Comment Click here to readThis is a competition and not everyone can be a winner. We looked at a large body of work. In the established artist category alone, we saw about 140 pieces of work by various artists in different media addressing various subjects. The works we include in the Judges’ Mention are works which, though not necessarily winners, set themselves apart. They stand out in their creator’s execution of the theme and approach to the subject matter. These pieces demonstrate that the artists […]
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NAME: Keith Muheba

TITLE: Animal Farm (The East African Cockerel)

MEDIUM: Mixed Media

DIMENSIONS: 60 x 60 cm

ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: Nairobi as the rooster crowing at daybreak.
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Paintings & Mixed Media
manjano
NAME: Keith Muheba TITLE: Animal Farm (The East African Cockerel) MEDIUM: Mixed Media DIMENSIONS: 60 x 60 cm ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: Nairobi as the rooster crowing at daybreak. ARTIST PROFILE: Born and based in Nairobi, self-taught artist Muheba draws his inspiration from the urban jungle. Nairobi’s streets, buildings, fire hydrants and more, all hold a magnetic pull for the artist, raising questions about the city’s history.
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NAME: Oscar Osumo

TITLE: Coping

MEDIUM: Mixed Media

DIMENSIONS: 106 x 91 cm

ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020, masks have become a necessity of life. And as time would have it, the mask is no longer just a protective item to wear each day  now it is a fashion accessory too.
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Paintings & Mixed Media
manjano
NAME: Oscar Osumo TITLE: Coping MEDIUM: Mixed Media DIMENSIONS: 106 x 91 cm ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020, masks have become a necessity of life. And as time would have it, the mask is no longer just a protective item to wear each day now it is a fashion accessory too. ARTIST PROFILE: Oscar is a self-taught artist based in Lower Kabete. His work offers reflections on the daily struggles of ordinary Nairobi residents as they work just to put food on the table.
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NAME: Gloria Muthoka

TITLE: Concrete Jungle

MEDIUM: Acrylic on Canvas

DIMENSIONS: 40 x 50 cm

ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: Nairobi is a city on the move. Vertically too, the buildings seem to be reaching for the sky. Change is inevitable – it creeps, sometimes pounces on you. Behold, our concrete jungle – Nairobi.
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Paintings & Mixed Media
manjano
NAME: Gloria Muthoka TITLE: Concrete Jungle MEDIUM: Acrylic on Canvas DIMENSIONS: 40 x 50 cm ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: Nairobi is a city on the move. Vertically too, the buildings seem to be reaching for the sky. Change is inevitable – it creeps, sometimes pounces on you. Behold, our concrete jungle – Nairobi. ARTIST PROFILE: Gloria is a self-taught artist with a background in graphic design. Based at the GoDown Arts Centre, Gloria is inspired by life, hope and color.
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Judges’ Special Mention

NAME: Ian Ng’ang’a Gachie

TITLE: Untitled

MEDIUM: Oil on Canvas

DIMENSIONS: 69 x 83.5 cm

ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: A look at “Both sides of a coin; Ying and Yang” which brings out a wholeness/perfection of what is in frame.
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Paintings & Mixed Media
manjano
Judges' Special Mention NAME: Ian Ng'ang'a Gachie TITLE: Untitled MEDIUM: Oil on Canvas DIMENSIONS: 69 x 83.5 cm ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: A look at "Both sides of a coin; Ying and Yang" which brings out a wholeness/perfection of what is in frame. ARTIST PROFILE: Ian received training at the Buru Buru Institute of Fine Arts and Kuona Trust. Through his work the artist asks many questions reflecting his sense of curiosity, especially around the question of complete-ness, right, and wrong.Judges' Comment Click here to readThis is a competition and not everyone can be a winner. We looked at a large body of work. In the established artist category alone, we saw about 140 pieces of work by various artists in different media addressing various subjects. The works we include in the Judges’ Mention are works which, though not necessarily winners, set themselves apart. They stand out in their creator’s execution of the theme and approach to the subject matter. These pieces demonstrate that the artists have thought clearly about their subject, and reflect a considered approach to medium, idea and presentation. These artists have worked hard to respond to the theme, and to have the theme meet their own practice and […]
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Judges’ Special Mention

NAME: Angela Mureithi

TITLE: Nairobbery

MEDIUM: Mixed Media

DIMENSIONS: 150 x 150 cm

ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: The old moniker persists. Everyone is trying to make a living, some at the expense of others.
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Paintings & Mixed Media
manjano
Judges' Special Mention NAME: Angela Mureithi TITLE: Nairobbery MEDIUM: Mixed Media DIMENSIONS: 150 x 150 cm ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: The old moniker persists. Everyone is trying to make a living, some at the expense of others. ARTIST PROFILE: Angela received her training at Kenyatta University and is based at Karen Village. She creates work mostly inspired by the modern African woman – Her face, skin, hair texture, and body structure. Her face tells stories about her insecurities, gender-based violence and inequality, but also her strengths, pride, and accomplishments.Judges' Comment Click here to readThis is a competition and not everyone can be a winner. We looked at a large body of work. In the established artist category alone, we saw about 140 pieces of work by various artists in different media addressing various subjects. The works we include in the Judges’ Mention are works which, though not necessarily winners, set themselves apart. They stand out in their creator’s execution of the theme and approach to the subject matter. These pieces demonstrate that the artists have thought clearly about their subject, and reflect a considered approach to medium, idea and presentation. These artists have worked hard to respond to the theme, and to […]
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Judges' Special Mention

NAME: Ngugi Wanjiku

TITLE: Lock Down

MEDIUM: Acrylic on Canvas

DIMENSIONS: 142 x 136 cm

ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: The loneliness and sadness permeating the community streets, as they echo with the varying effects of lockdown.

Judges' Special Mention NAME: Ngugi Wanjiku TITLE: Lock Down MEDIUM: Acrylic on Canvas DIMENSIONS: 142 x 136 cm ARTWORK DESCRIPTION:…

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NAME: Solomon Muchemi

TITLE: Memory from Mujengo

MEDIUM: Acrylic on Canvas

DIMENSIONS: 115 x 70 cm

ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: The artist remembers the first time he came to Nairobi. The impressions of a growing city were fixed in his memory, with the image of a big crane hauling concrete blocks at Museum Hill first among them.

NAME: Solomon Muchemi TITLE: Memory from Mujengo MEDIUM: Acrylic on Canvas DIMENSIONS: 115 x 70 cm ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: The artist…

Previous
NAME: Solomon Muchemi

TITLE: Memory from Mujengo

MEDIUM: Acrylic on Canvas

DIMENSIONS: 115 x 70 cm

ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: The artist remembers the first time he came to Nairobi. The impressions of a growing city were fixed in his memory, with the image of a big crane hauling concrete blocks at Museum Hill first among them.

NAME: Solomon Muchemi TITLE: Memory from Mujengo MEDIUM: Acrylic on Canvas DIMENSIONS: 115 x 70 cm ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: The artist…