A young German gentleman called Helmuth once booked a one-way flight to Cairo. After a couple of days, he traveled up the Nile across to Sudan, following the river further to Uganda. He slept on huge floating ships that served as markets, buying goods from villages and selling them along the river banks back and forth. Helmuth decided it would be nice to come work a bit in East Africa. Since he was in a pharmaceutical branch, he got a job managing the medicine supply chain. A contract after contract, years have passed until he retired with his dutch wife in Kenya. After retirement, he decided to follow another passion of his and be involved in the art scene. He hosts art exhibitions in an art gallery in his house. I stated “You have contributed to the evolution of Nairobi” he smiled: “of Africa”.
Earlier today, I woke up in West Wood hotel which is on the verge of the forest. They even have a forest view deck where you can observe the monkeys that naturally live there. Since the Breakfast buffet is in the yard, monkeys try to snatch the fruits here and there. Which I have observed as soon as I emerged for breakfast. I decided that today I want to explore the art scene in Nairobi. I am a humble collector of paintings and chess sets from my travels.
You know my trick, I use dating apps to meet interesting ladies for nice conversations. I matched with an intriguing lady nicknamed “Firefly“. I sent her the link to my blog, and you know what? She informs me that she started reading “The Forty Rules of Love” one week ago. What are the odds? I asked her for a recommendation for local art galleries and come to know that she is an artist herself. She recommended the Red Hill Art Gallery. I called Helmuth, the curator, which told me that they are preparing a new exhibition that will start on Sunday. A pity, I won’t be in Kenya by then. I told Firefly that. A few minutes later I got a call from Helmuth that I can visit the gallery today if I want as an exception. Firefly has asked him.
After a long Uber ride, I arrived at the Red Hill Art Gallery. Helmuth welcomed me in his garden between his house and the medium annex that serves as the art gallery. He prepared coffee and cookies, and we spent a couple of hours conversing. I started by touring the upcoming exhibition by an 80 years old British-Kenyan dancer that decided to resume painting two years ago. It is her first exhibition! I give a lot of respect to those who decide to take a new path in life, not to mention in such an old age. She hired one dancer as a model and painted him in different choreography moments. I thought it takes a lot of talent and bravery to depict the human body during these movements. The artist risks painting the wrong muscle anatomy. I thought she did a good job.
We had a long conversation. Helmuth told me a brief biography, including his experience in the healthcare field in Africa. We discussed the healthcare problems in Kenya in particular. He also told me a lot about the art scene. He then showed me his private art collection, as well as a tour of his house, which was studded with beautiful artifacts and artworks. During these minutes, I felt my heart racing and my happiness spike. I decided to dedicate more time to this passion of mine.
Earlier that day, I was strolling in one of the many shopping malls in Nairobi. It seems a feature of hot countries to have shopping malls as a way to avoid the heat. There I also encountered an exhibition of some local artists in some abandoned space in the mall without any sign of human life. Here are the most interesting paintings I found. I have contacted the artist for the prices and each was around 150 euros.
I also found this epic painting of the last supper but in Movember, hehe
