Culture, identity on display through art

Nadia Wamunyu, a Kenyan visual artist and gallerist, experienced partial loss of hearing at the age of five.

Since then, Wamunyu has learnt how to communicate through her work, which she said is a relief from the stress of vocal communication that she struggles with.

“I realised I could record my feelings, tastes, experiences and memories through drawing,” she says.

Most of her works celebrate black women, depicted as powerful gymnasts exuding pride, potential and character in a continuous motion, symbolising time’s passage and the relentless quest for self-discovery.

In an interview with the Star, Wamunyu said several recurring themes and messages feature in her works, which are a reflection of both her personal and universal aspects of identity, experience and social issues.

“These themes in my artwork not only reflect my personal journey but also resonate with broader social and cultural narratives,” she said.

“They challenge viewers to think critically, empathise with diverse experiences and celebrate the beauty and strength of black women.”

Today, Wamunyu and two other artists, Kenyan-born Prina Shah and Oh Myung Hee from South Korea, will be exhibiting at the Nairobi National Museum, an event celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations between Kenya and South Korea.

The exhibition, titled ‘Dance to the Rhythm of My Soul’, examines our sense of self through the intricate lens of memory, weaving together diverse yet shared cultural experiences across Asia and Africa.

Integral to the exhibition is ‘Nowness,’ exploring contemporary identity from a female perspective.

Both countries share a vibrant history entrenched in rich heritage and proud national identities, and despite challenges since gaining independence, their cultural heritage has thrived over the years.

For the upcoming exhibition, Wamunyu hopes her work ‘Body of Evidence’ will serve as a mirror for viewers to reflect on their own experiences, while also fostering a greater appreciation of the diverse stories that make up our shared human tapestry.

“My aim is to provoke thought, evoke empathy, inspire a deeper understanding and encourage viewers to look beyond the surface and engage with the profound symbolism embedded in my art,” she said.

Cultural identity will be at the heart of Prina Shah’s art, ‘Doorway to Memory’.

Her installation comprises seven vibrant sculptural balls, each symbolising a chakra that reflects and resonates with the experiences, beliefs and traditions of her community.

Shah’s work has been included in numerous national and international exhibitions and has been acquired by the permanent collections of Finland’s Poikilo Kouvola Art Museum.

Oh Myung Hee, a graduate and an honorary professor at Sejong University, will be showcasing her works. They feature two cycles, one of which is ‘Guessing’, which focuses on Korean women who were highly trained artists in music, poetry and conversation.

The second cycle, ‘Ganggangsullae’ or ‘Moondance’, captures the exhilarating harvest time performance, where women sang and danced all night, expressing their innermost thoughts without societal judgment.

Traditionally, in Korea’s male-dominated society, women were restricted from singing loudly or going out at night.

Despite confronting the pain and conflict of history, Oh Myung Hee’s art carries an enduring message of hope, celebrating the indomitable spirit of women who carved out their own paths.

Korean Ambassador Sung-jun Yeo will open the exhibition, which will run until the end of August.