As an art enthusiast, one of the best ways to explore a city is through its art galleries. Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, is home to a thriving and dynamic art scene. From contemporary to traditional, Nairobi’s galleries offer a diverse range of styles and mediums. Join me as we take a tour of Nairobi’s art galleries and discover the city’s vibrant art scene.

The Circle Art Agency Gallery

The Circle Art Agency Gallery is a contemporary art space that exhibits both established and emerging artists. The gallery features a diverse collection of art forms, including paintings, sculptures, and mixed media. It has played a significant role in promoting African contemporary art, with its annual auction event attracting local and international collectors. The gallery also provides art consultancy services, and it has become a go-to for anyone looking to invest in contemporary African art.

The National Museum of Kenya

The National Museum of Kenya is a perfect place to start your art tour of Nairobi. The museum’s art gallery features an extensive collection of traditional and contemporary Kenyan art. Visitors can explore the rich cultural heritage of Kenya through its art, from ancient artifacts to modern paintings and sculptures.

One Off Contemporary Art Gallery

The One Off Contemporary Art Gallery is a private gallery that features a collection of contemporary African art. The gallery was founded in 1993 and has since been promoting African contemporary art to a global audience. The gallery features a mix of established and emerging artists, including some of the best contemporary artists in Kenya.

The GoDown Arts Centre

The GoDown Arts Centre is a cultural hub located in the industrial area of Nairobi. The center features an art gallery, studios, and workshop spaces. The gallery showcases contemporary African art, with a focus on visual and performance arts. The center also hosts various cultural events, including art exhibitions, film screenings, and music concerts.

The Art Space

The Art Space is a contemporary art gallery located in Westlands, Nairobi. The gallery features a diverse collection of contemporary African art, with a focus on Kenyan artists. The gallery has a reputation for promoting emerging artists, providing a platform for them to showcase their work to a global audience.

The Nairobi Gallery

The Nairobi Gallery is a contemporary art museum located in the city center. The museum features a collection of Kenyan art, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs. The museum’s art collection provides a fascinating glimpse into Kenya’s rich cultural heritage, from its colonial past to its present-day contemporary art scene.

Kuona Trust Art Centre

Kuona Trust Art Centre is a non-profit organization that promotes contemporary art in Kenya. The center features a gallery and studio space, where artists can work and showcase their work to a wider audience. The gallery exhibits a diverse collection of contemporary African art, including paintings, sculptures, and mixed media.

Brush Tu Art Studio

Brush Tu Art Studio is a contemporary art studio that features a collection of paintings, drawings, and sculptures by local artists. The studio provides a platform for emerging artists to showcase their work and engage with a wider audience. Visitors can explore the diverse range of contemporary African art while interacting with the artists who create it.

Red Hill Art Gallery

Red Hill Art Gallery is a contemporary art gallery located in Limuru, just outside Nairobi. The gallery features a collection of contemporary African art, including paintings, sculptures, and mixed media. The gallery’s tranquil location provides a peaceful environment to explore the diverse range of contemporary African art.

Contemporary Art Exhibitions

Kenyan artists have been receiving a lot of attention from galleries and curators worldwide. The exhibitions showcase a range of contemporary styles and mediums, including paintings, sculptures, installations, and performance art. Nairobi’s National Museum and the Circle Art Gallery are well-known venues for hosting these events.

The galleries work with international artists, curators, and collectors, providing opportunities for Kenyan artists to network and collaborate with their global counterparts. This exchange of ideas and cultures has helped the Kenyan art scene to evolve and become more diverse.

Kenya’s contemporary art scene is thriving, with many talented artists producing work that is both thought-provoking and beautiful. The exhibitions that showcase this work not only provide exposure for the artists but also give art enthusiasts an opportunity to experience the vibrancy of the Kenyan art scene.

Wrapping up

Art fairs are an essential part of the art market, and Kenyan art has been gaining recognition in these events. The annual Nairobi National Museum Art Fair is a platform that showcases established and emerging artists from Kenya and East Africa. The event attracts collectors, dealers, and art enthusiasts from across the continent and beyond.

Additionally, the Art X Lagos fair, which is held in Nigeria, has been instrumental in promoting contemporary African art, including Kenyan art. These events provide Kenyan artists with a global audience, making it easier for them to sell their work and gain recognition in the international art world.