Ma' Nanas April 2020

MA'NANAS APRIL 2020

ANGELIQUE WEAR A Q&A WITH CLAIRE ON HOW SHE STARTED THE BRAND

STYLING COATS A LITTLE STYLE EDITORIALÂ

ART OF PLACEMAKING MAKING A SPACE A PLACE

UREMBO BY NAJMA NAJMA SHARES A LITTLE ABOUT HER MAKE UP JOURNEY

Ms. Njeri Yoga and Art

ART BY SOLOMON LUVAI 2

ART BY OYAH ART STUDIO

3

4

Nabo Bistro - Glass canopy at the bar

5

CONTENTS PAGE 10 ANGELIQUE WEAR Claire shares with us how she started in the Ankara business and how the journey is so far.

PAGE 23 MS. NJERI We take a dive into the world of Ms. Njeri as she shares her life as a yogi and an artist.

PAGE 27

UREMBO BY NAJ Life as a make up artist. Jump into our Q&a with Najma as she open up.

PAGE 37 ART OF PLACEMAKING Diana Machoka takes us through as she discovers cities, space by space.

PAGE 43 OLULUÂ Olulu shares his journey and some of his projects as a creative director

6

EDITOR -INCHIEF

Hello April !

Welcome to our latest edition of the Ma' Nanas Periodical . I hope you enjoyed our Feb issue. It is always an amazing time interacting with different artists to create these issues. I started the Ma' Nanas with an aim of providing a platform for artists to share who they are what they are currently doing.

In this issue we have mainly highlighted different individuals and brands doing amazing things. We hope you get a chance to learn more from them and also interact with them often.

In light of the Covid-19, I hope we are doing our level best to take care of ourselves and our neighbours. Check out https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019 for more updates.

To work with us or feature in our magazine, reach us through our various platforms.

Enjoy the read.

Wasonga, Editor PAGE 7Â

TRACE TATTOOS Have you had a chance to take a look at Solomon Luvai's work aka @tracetattoos

GIRL WITH THE PEARL EARING - RENAISSAINCE PERIOD In this issue, we take a little dive into art history showcasing some of the best pieces in their time.

WHAT'S HAPPENING

NEW MUSIC RELEASE Tune into Jibeba by Jadi out this month.

Jadi have released two more hits, check out their page @realjadi https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfPdEUi6kCk

ATWABU TREATS Home to tasty cakes and treats. Grab yours this Season

GURU WISDOM

IF YOU’RE TWENTY-TWO, PHYSICALLY FIT, HUNGRY TO LEARN AND BE BETTER, I URGE YOU TO TRAVEL – AS FAR AND AS WIDELY AS POSSIBLE. SLEEP ON FLOORS IF YOU HAVE TO. FIND OUT HOW OTHER PEOPLE LIVE AND EAT AND COOK. LEARN FROM THEM – WHEREVER YOU GO. Anthony Bourdain

9

10

Angelique Wear A LIL Q&A WITH CLAIRE ON AND HOW SHE EMBARKED ON THIS JOURNEY. Tell us about you: stuff everyone knows, a little bit people don't know and why you love what you do.

My name is Claire Okere, founder of the clothing brand Angeliquewear. I am the last born in a family of Five; three girls and two boys. My eldest sister is my biggest supporter, you should hear her hype me up to new clients, it’s heartwarming. Those who know me know I absolutely love Ankara prints and that 95% of my wardrobe is made up of different Ankara designs. I’m an indoor person which I know contradicts my business because it’s a one on one kind of arrangement, but trust me I make time to meet my clients every need. There’s a satisfaction I get from seeing the smile on a client’s face when his or her outfit comes out as they had imagined it. I love that I get to try out different things every day and push myself to learn new ways of incorporating modern fashion to the kitenge/Ankara fabric that most of us grew up seeing our mothers wear.

Where did you go to university and what did you study?

I went to Moi university In Eldoret and studied economics.

I’ve always been into business studies since high school .

Do you have a background in fashion design or is it completely new?

Well, I’d say I have a background in tailoring and not fashion design per se. My mom used to be a tailor so my siblings and I all learnt how to operate the sewing machine and repair clothes. As for fashion design, that is something I picked up after university so it’s fairly new and I’m still learning as I go along

What's the first piece of advice you'd give women getting dressed up?

Different occasions call for different outfits so try to dress appropriately so you won’t feel out of place among other people present.

11

|

MARCH

2020

How has your home country or upbringing influenced your design? Do you have any designs particularly inspired by it?

What accessories fit best with your designs?

Head wraps really go well with most of what I

I think growing up with Ankara fabrics from When my mom used to sew was the reason I chose to incorporate so much of it in my designs .

A trip back to my hometown recently inspired me to create some tie and dye outfits that I’ll be debuting

make. They add that sense of regality to an outfit.

They just give you that queen feeling I must say .

The other one is bold earrings and neckpieces .

These go so well with low neckline dresses or off shoulder outfits.

on my page soon . They’ll range from tops to

.

What's something about custom made clothing that

kimonos and headbands so be on the lookout for that

people need to know?

.

What's the best entry piece into your collection for

It’s unique .

first time customers?

It’s made to measure .

It will suit your preference down to the T.

The maxi skirt is timeless. Wear it from church to a

They are outlets to express your style and fashion

wedding reception and you’ll still be on point . It’s

sense.

also so easy to pair with solid colored tops that most

With custom made clothing you get to choose from

people already own.

a wide variety of designs before settling on the one

For the gents a round neck ankara shirt goes a long

that compliments your body type.

way and will pair easily with your khakis or jeans.

.

.

12

|

MA'

NANAS•

MARCH

2020

What kind of women do you design for?

Every woman. From the career woman to the stay at home mum to models and young girls who want to twin with their moms .

I design for every woman who wants to feel beautiful and confident . A woman who knows that clothes are there to compliment all that she’s already got.

I design for all sizes ;flaunt what you have whether it’s in size 6 or size 16.

"I design for every woman who wants to feel beautiful and confident."

Instagram

"If you had to be shipwrecked on a deserted island, but all your human needs—such as food and water—

@angeliquewear @claireokere

were taken care of, what two items would you want to

.

have with you?"

Facebook

A solar powered laptop with unending movies and if

Angelique wear

I’m lucky and wifi happens to exist In nature then a subscription to Netflix.That’s a long shot haha ..

13

|

MA'

NANAS

•

MARCH

2020

ATWABU DESIGNS For handmade Ankara neckpieces, diaper bags, tissue holders and much more

MICHELLE OKINDA

15

DRESSING YOUR NECK

https://www.instagram.com/atwabudesigns/?hl=en

ATWABU DESIGNS 16

Styling coats CONCEPTÂ BY MARIEJOSE WASONGA PHOTOGRAPHY BY EPHRAIM REMMY MODELS ARE LOISE NJERI AND MARIEJOSE ACCESSORIES BY ZING CHEST

https://www.instagram.com/nanasi_ke/

Occasion: Night Out

Occasion: Night Out Inside : LBD or Demin skirt and black/white fitting top Shoes: Boots /doll shoes

Occasion: Casual Wear

Occasion: Night Out

Njeri AN ARTIST, A YOGI Tell us more about yourself.

How did you start practicing Yoga?

I am an Afro hippie. This means I generally practice a lot of the hippie culture and lifestyle.

I stand by most of their beliefs, the love for astrology, the general bohemian aesthetic that comes with it and I incorporate my African culture and arts to make it feel more me. I greatly believe in the power of karma and I highly associate myself with great amounts of positive Vibes. So this means I only vibe with my tribe.by being with your tribe means you're constantly around people who believe in the same principles you believe in people who share the same thoughts/perspective, people who are never going to judge you for doing things they think may be traditionally different because they understand where you coming from and why you doing what you doing and people who constantly support you and your growth. I'm also a nudist, I support nudity being expressed as a form of art and an alltime dog lover hopefully a future dog mom.

Since high school, I had a problem with my knees and tbh gym workouts weren't exactly working out for me so like a true millennial I just decided Google how to not be in pain. I ended up going to Pinterest to look for knee workouts I know it sounds funny but I did that and I ended up on a yogi's page and she wasn't very famous back then so she only did pictures but after six months or so she started doing small videos and it took it upon myself to take that on that and slowly by slowly I got back my interest in flexing. I honestly grew up a tomboy and since when I was a kid I used to be into aerobics so I just decided you know what why not just mix the two try and heal my knee pains while working on my flexing and I guess that's how I ended up really liking yoga and it started affecting my personality and how I approach things and the meditation of it all generally just picked up and became an addition to my lifestyle.

23

Has yoga helped you since you started?

Yes very much yes I am generally a very aggressive human being and with yoga, you can't be aggressive you have to learn a certain flow. You need to have certain self-discipline to achieve what you want by the end of the day. I think it has really helped me with my character to this day and I hope it's going to help mold me into the kind of person I want to become because this Adulting thing ain't easy; no one generally prepared us for this.

What advice can you offer those wanting to start the Yoga journey?

First of all, I'd like to make it very clear that no one was born flexible and if you'd like to start yoga first figure out what you need in life. Yoga can be interpreted in so many ways by so various people. Some people use yoga for meditation and relaxation other people use yoga to explore the different levels of their flexibility like in aerobics or gymnastics or ballet dancing while others use yoga strictly for enhancing their exercises.

It's okay because different routines and different yoga teachers are available for different kinds of settings and moods

Would you consider teaching yoga?? If yes, Why?

Happiness is. .

Yes, I would very much like to become a yoga teacher this is because in yoga we always learn something different something new. Every time you learn how to flex you will want more and when you do that's when you realize you can always do better.

You learn how to meditate in different ways, you learn which yoga flow goes best with which mood so you won't have to force yourself to do it since it comes naturally. Also the mobility of it all, you can do yoga on the bed, the wall and you can do yoga in any random place even if it's just for the gram or general aesthetics. With yoga, you can stretch for certain body pains and get rid of extreme pressure on certain parts of your body. I'd say it's just generally so relaxing. Also, I love seeing people underestimate their power then realizing they can do so much more with their bodies than they thought. All in all, It helps promote a lot of self-confidence and self-love.

Achieving your heart's greatest desire and having mental peace while at it

PAGE 24

MA' NANAS MAGAZINE

How are you planning to grow your Yoga practice and Art brand?

I plan to use my art to try and make a voice for yoga and meditation in Africa because, to be honest not many of us are into yoga because they think people have to be born flexible or they just give up so fast because traditionally speaking it's a "white people thing" and I'd love to use my artistic skills and my yoga discipline to try and make the world around me a better place. I'd want to be holding art therapy classes in the near future while using yoga flows to meditate. This would ideally help boost and generally convince people to try and do a little bit of both during their free times as a form of meditation hence we bring more people into the art world and promote mental health

Is it better to be extraordinary and late, or good and on time?

I feel like the best answer for this world be show up and show off. If you do happen to get there on time be to do your roles to perfection and see-through that everything has been done. But if you are late, first of all, you have to be very apologetic and honestly, you have to have something that no one else in the room could have offered and hence people had to wait on this extraordinary skill to get by and finish their work otherwise you'd have wasted a lot of people's time and we all know that's a valuable resource.

What's one of your favourite quotes?

Don't hate what you don't understand. I like to use this quote generally because in the world we're living in a lot of people are very opinionated and with the exposure to social media we kind of get carried away with this so-called opinions without looking at different perspectives or trying to understand where people are coming from and why they believe in certain things and why things are the way they are. So I generally like this quote because it cuts across all ages or generations and any literal topic on Earth and it kind of really helps you try and be or stay open-minded to change and learning new things and new cultures and trying to reduce the hate and the amount of discrimination that's in this world currently

MA' NANAS MAGAZINE PAGE 25

If you could go back five years, what advice would you give your younger self?

Just like Nike, Just do it, because people are always going to judge you and not everyone is going to like you. In all honesty, most of the people who are very opinionated and judgemental are not going to help in paying your bills. Strive to be the best at what you do, always be open-minded to learning new things have different levels of exposure and network as much as you can when you can.

"If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be and why?"

Banyan tree because of the way they are very beautiful. Aesthetically speaking, they have very many extensive branches that provide a lot of support. The tree itself is also very useful in healing diseases and making indoor and outdoor furniture. Why the banyan tree? Just like the tree I like to be very aesthetic and to kind of stand out in a room from my hair to my outfits.

I enjoy being there for people showing a lot of support if not too much. I like feeling like I can do a lot of different things, especially in the Arts department since I'm interested in so many different aspects of art from traditionally drawing to designing to dancing to music anything arts is a go-to for me.

"Don't hate what you don't understand ." @_njeriabby https://www.instagram.com/_picass.ettes/

0202 RPA

Urembo By Naj M A K E

U P

A R T I S T

27

Tell us more about yourself.

I am a beauty practitioner who offers makeup services. I challenge myself more when it comes to makeup which leads me to creating custom looks for my clients. Makeup is part of me..

How did you get into Makeup?

What's your vision for your artistry?

In the near future I would love to have my own makeup line which am working soo hard to achieve.

What have you learnt since starting out in the industry?

I've had a passion for makeup for quite sometime and I used to do makeup on myself. I would watch youtube tutorials almost everyday and practising more. One day someone challenged me to use my skills well (and benefit from it) that's how I decided to start the business with close friends and family and now here we are ☺

Competition is stiff in this industry, you just have to find a unique style to be different from other artists..

What are your favourite products?

How would you describe your style?

Maybelline Mac L. A girl Black Opal

I am versatile and capable of turning easily from a bold look to a nude look. I adapt easily..

Ma' Nanas Periodial | 28

What do you love about makeup?

It builds confidence and boosts self esteem.

https://www.instagram.com/urembobynaj/

MAKEUP

29

Proper skin care is important because our skin is the largest barrier against infection that we have. Keeping our skin healthy and moist helps keep this barrier strong.

Good skin care is essential at any age and healthy habits in your 20s and 30s can strengthen and prepare your skin for the effects of aging down the road. In this segment, we are building a skin care routine with Patricia Mburu.

BUILDING A SKIN CARE ROUTINE

BY PATRICIA MBURU

CLEANSE This is the first step in your routine and it's essentially washing off any makeup, products, oils, sweat and impurities after a long day.

Tip: A cleanser should be effective in getting your face clean but not irritate it or strip it of its natural oils; usually felt as tightness or tingling on your face after cleansing.

TONE Toning is the second stepand it is important in removing any leftover dirt and impurities as well as restoring the skin's pH before applying any products. This is especially important for those with oily skin and clogged pores.

Tip: your toner should not contain alcohol/ any atrigents which dry out and irritate the skin. Apply your toner whileyour skin is still damp.

MOISTURIZE Moisturizers trap in or bind moisture which is essential for maintaining our skin barrier. This helps keep our skin glowy, keeps wrinkles at bay and preventing/reducing breakouts.

Tip: a light moisturizer is recommended for daytime while a 'heavier'/richer moisturizer is used at night since that is when the skin is repairing itself.

SUNSCREEN Our skin needs protection from the sun's harmful rays which result in sunburns and skin aging: wrinkles, fine lines and age spots. It should be part of your routine and is worn every morning after your moisturizer and let to dry down.

Tip: ensure your sunscreen is SPF 30+ and protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

30

CUSTOM MADE JEWELRY

32

BOOK RELEASE

DORIS NASUVO Doris Nasuvo, a graphic designer and now writer of the book Life Through Art.

PHOTO BY REMMY PHOTOGRAPHER

My name is Doris Nasuvo Pendo. I am a graphic designer by profession and an artist. I am also a book writer and I started writing professionally in 2019 when I wrote my first book titled 'Life Through Art' which will be launched on 22nd March 2020.

I wrote this book as a result of God leading me to do so. It's a book written with the aim of speaking encouragement to Christians and non-Christians and to reach out to the lost souls in the world and let them know about salvation through

It's a book that contains quotes of

Jesus Christ. I chose to use art in

encouragement plus some Bible

my book to make it unique.

verses together with images of my art which is a combination of my drawings and paintings to create a 34 | MA'NANAS

picture of what I speak about.Â

What were your major achievements in the past year?

Last year I started writing professionally and hence wrote my first book titled 'Life Through Art' which is a book which contains quotes of encouragement plus some Bible verses and has images of my art work which is a combination of my drawings and paintings to create a picture of what I speak about.

What inspired you to write?

I wrote my book as a result of God leading me to do so.The aim of the book is to speak encouragement to christians and non-christians and to reach out to the non-believers and tell them about salvation in Jesus Christ who is the true source of encouragement and the hope of the world.

Who are you targeting with your book?

Everyone in general that is grown up men and women and teenagers both christians and nonchristians.Children i.e below the age of 13 years can also read it too but with guidance from their elders as they may not really understand what I speak about in the book.But even if they don't understand,they can enjoy the art part of it.

What's one quote you would like to leave us with?

There is hope in the world no matter how deeming situations may be and our hope is found in salvation in Jesus Christ.

MA' NANAS MAGAZINE PAGE 35

PLACES

VISIT

TO

IN

NAIROBI

37

Discovering cities, space by space

THE

TOP

PICKS

FOR

YOUR

NAIROBI

TOURS

BY DIANA MACHOKA

A space becomes a place once a meaning is given to it. This is referred to as placemaking. Placemaking is a term used by creators of these urban spaces centred on human connection. I have always loved the way placemaking is interpreted by different people. We continually consider placemaking for exterior public spaces, but what about the interior spaces? These interior spaces where most of us spend the majority of our time; spaces we live in, work in, eat in, experience our lives in. Shouldn’t we talk more about these experiences?

I grew up in a tiny little town and my trips to the city of Nairobi were always filled with excitement. Where will we go this time?

Does that little yellow place on the corner still exist? Why isn't there a window here?

An excitement that I carried with me on to architecture school. As a Graduate Architect, I got to carry the excitement with a little bit of knowledge on why "places are made that way".

With every new place, I made mental notes of certain details and one day thought it would make sense to let people into my thoughts. Or rather have an online diary of the little details I love about everywhere I visited. (details that I'll end up replicating in my designs. Hehe.) It's scary letting people read your diary, but it less scary to start a discussion on the public spaces we use.

Location: Radisson Blu, Upperhill

38

Take my favorite (okay, maybe it's just in the top 3) place in Nairobi, for example, the Nabo Bistro, so fresh and unimposing. My description of it went something like this: "Nestled in the beauty of nature, blending with it, elevating it and introducing a new experience of green spaces. The Nabo Bar is uninterrupted nature - built from shipping containers with minimal adjustments and a glass canopy; the bar offers views above and below as it looks up to the trees, trees that stretch and hover over the main space..." I went on and on convincing a dozen other friends to visit this experience and it was hard to disagree.

Location: Boho Eatery

Location: The Arbor

The best part of discovering a beautiful place is sharing it with others... Or using your words (and pictures) to paint a picture of the experience. My favorite places are airy spaces with a garden...there has to be a garden. Boho Eatery, The Arbor and the Tin Roof cafĂŠs. But still, the architect in me likes to find meaning in structural details of more closed off places like Inti Nikkei that really used the building's structure to its advantage; or the Artcaffe Westminster that I described as "Layers and layers of wide spaces on the ground floor, flanked by private mezzanine floors with exposed steel trusses coupled with a skylight.." The devil is really in the details.

39 MA'NANAS / APRIL 2019

Inti Nikkei

Inti Nikkei - The bar

Today, as I explore interior design as a career path, I would love to put all my thoughts and musings in writing like this but the beauty of this age of social media, everyone can join in on the fun using a hashtag: #SpacesofNairobi. I hope to explore more cities and/or countries and trust that

The roof cafe at Lang'ata link

similar hashtags will point me to the beautiful spots they have to offer. #SpacesOf Nanyuki,

For more follow on

Nakuru, and Eldoret have begun, let's keep the ball rolling, let's explore more, let’s experience places, let's do some placemaking.

40

@deemachoka

TRAVEL IS NEVER A MATTER OF MONEY, BUT OF COURAGE. T.S. ELLIOT

PAGE 41 • MA'NANAS

Travel Tips 1. BE FLEXIBLE. We always plan for delays and try not to get upset when things inevitably go wrong. Patience is extremely important when traveling!

2. MAKE A LIST. About a week or so before each trip, I make a mental list of items I don’t want to forget — which I WILL forget if I don’t write them down. I’ve learned that when I think of something, I need to write it down.

3. LEARN COMMON PHRASES OF THE LOCAL LANGUAGE

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NJOKI THE NOMAD

A simple “Please,” “Thank you,” and “I’m sorry” in the local language goes a long way. I also like to learn the word for beer, but that’s just me.

4. DON’T FORGET AN EXTRA CAMERA BATTERY (OR TWO) Have you ever gotten to that epic sunset photo spot and realized your camera battery is dead and you don’t have a back up? I try to bring at least three camera batteries on all of our trips so that we don’t miss out on that perfect shot.

5. ALWAYS BRING A SARONG Sarongs can be used as a wrap when you are cold, a towel, a curtain, or a piece of clothing that can be worn dozens of different ways. Solid colors are great, but if you want something that stands out, I love this sarong.

6. ALWAYS BUY TRAVEL INSURANCE A medical emergency can wipe out your savings — or even worse. We use and trust World Nomads for travel insurance.

42

MA'NANAS / APRIL 2020

0202 LIRPA

3 ON EUSSI

Olulu

43

My name is Olubayi Ajaa Olubayi, however, you can call me Olulu. I’m a 21-year-old PR student at Daystar University – Valley Road and a Creative on the side. I reside in Nairobi, Kenya.

Has someone ever asked you what you love to do? Or who you are? Personally, I don’t know how to express this verbally but I do it better through visuals. Art is the best way for me to express myself. I’m mostly inspired by how I feel and what I

Words Olulu

imagine. I could literally sit down,

Photography Ian Olubayi

daydream about a concept or idea and before you know it, it’s a plan I have to execute.

Back in 2018, I had the opportunity to grace the first ever Shujaaz Stories that’s usually held at The Nairobi National Museum. My late friend, Masidza Galavu (may his soul rest in peace; he was an icon), told me it would be a huge disservice if I didn’t show off my creative spirit at his first-ever project. His project exalted and highlighted heroes and artists in our society.

I mean, if he could see it, who was I to say no? Through him and his project, I was able to tap into my potential and get the recognition that I needed to kick start my career. I met so many talented creatives such as Louie Wahiu, popularly known as @myfingersjust, Jerry Benedict, Stephen Baraka and more artists I got a chance to work with. It was an honor to even meet and work with photographers such as James Kang’ee and Peter Braxton. Soon as I was one of the team, 2019’s edition had me being called one of the faces of the event. Yes, I was honored and flattered. That was my message from the universe.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/B-M2Till8Sx/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

44

As the year 2018 was winding up, my next question from there was, “What next?”. I was honestly not sure how I’d go forth. Sure, I trusted that all would be well but there’s that deep-seated feeling of “When will I get that idea?” I decided to do my own creative concepts. I mean, what better way to manifest an answer other than breathing life to my creative imaginations? A bathtub, an oversized suit, flowers, and a cigar. I was heartbroken. I didn’t know how to ask for help. I couldn’t get anyone to feel how I was feeling through my words. So, I decided, my art would speak for me. A hopeless romantic drowning in shallow depths of affection; bittersweet it was but it had to go. Once I brought my baby to life, I could not wait to express my art to the world, well the environment around me. I did this project with my cousin, Ian Olubayi – a Nairobi based photographer. He was the photographer who captured the entire mood and scene.

In the early months of 2019, I found myself wanting to grow as an artist. I needed to throw myself in the pool of artists. If I needed to bring out the artist in me, I needed to breathe like them, talk like them, vibe the way they vibed and to no surprise, our energies matched. I was introduced and interacted with the legend herself, my personal stylist, Queen Luca Wakarindi. I was so excited. I didn’t know how to tell her then that our relationship would grow both artistically and friendship based. She made me feel so comfortable and showed me that I had a home, one in her fashion house, The Haus of Baddies and her heart.

She invited me to a shoot she had planned with her fellow creatives, now my creative family. The shoot involved so many creative heads. It featured Oki Andeti Amayo, popularly known as @honestlymylifeisacutemess and Waruiru – both my fellow muses, Maria Besie our photographer and it was styled by Queen Luca, Mano Black, Karungari and Connie Wanjiru. That shoot was a success!

| 45

So far, I had achieved three main goals in my checklist, be consistent, join a beautiful creative family and of most importance, deliver the goods. But I’m human. More so, I’m an artist. We never get content by what we create. I knew I was on the right track but I wanted to break a few barriers. I wanted to do the unexpected. The ideas and concepts most would turn down because it was, for lack of a better phrase, “too much”. The creative block at that time did not help at all. I guess my guardian angels heard my prayer and sent it my way. A very talented stylist and creative, Edi Patrick, wanted to collaborate with Luca. To my convenience, one of the models couldn’t participate and guess who got the baton? That’s right. It was my time to shine. My first ever drag shoot. Coincidence? Maybe, maybe not. It was shot by Eddy, popularly known as @photoman254, and I kid you not, we killed it. I worked alongside Mark Ninga, popularly known as @kweerpisces, and Sera Kim the make-up artist. We raised the eyebrows and captured the attention of most. We did the damn thing.

My last two personal creative shoots were a message. A message from my older self to my younger self. My volatile shoot - You could be in the worst position, you could be seriously going through it, you could feel like the shackles of pain and suffering are keeping you back from your true purpose but, that pain is the key. Listen to your heart, listen to your body, what is your mind and inner child trying to convey? You are a mustard seed. Do not fear the germinating stage because greater things are coming. Believe in your strength to overcome. Shout out to my best friend Nicole Kinda and Joe Katibi for being amazing muses, Armeria Kenya for their denim bag designs and Ian Olubayi, once again, for capturing the masterpiece.

The Genesis Project – The beginning can be scary. You have no idea how to maneuver and what to expect. You will be presented with numerous opportunities, some you’ll take, some you’ll drop, some you’ll save for later. The concept of time. Time, the master of all. Even more powerful than money. It dictates that what’s yours will eventually find you. Be patient, believe, constantly reaffirm yourself positively and trust your abilities. Special thanks to my photographer, Neema Toya, body artist, Samuel Kinyagia and fellow muse, Sly Jepkurui. We made that beautiful imagination a reality.

From the moment I modelled for Kenana Mwasi’s SanaBora Collection to the period I created my own concepts, I knew art was my calling. I knew I had a purpose in the creative world. I was born and destined to create, entertain, mesmerize and leave many questioning.

I am art and art is me. I know my creative journey is going to be beautiful and wonderful.

46

ART HISTORY

By Renaissance Man

La Gioconda also known as Monalisa best known, Add a little bit ofthebody text the most visited, the most written about, the most sung about, the most parodied work of art in the world painted by Leonardo Da Vinci during the Renaissance period, this particular work of art is regarded as priceless in that it cant be put in value in monetary terms but situated at the Louvre Paris it remains the most iconic piece of art known to man 47

completed in 1955. It was one of de Kooning's first abstract landscapes, and marked a change in his style, may look like a simple piece but it is among the top 5 most expensive pieces of art ever sold De Kooning sold the painting shortly after it was completed. It was bought for $4,000 but it's value at the moment is 300$ million

De Kooning's first abstract landscapes,

Portrait of Dr. Gachet is one of the most revered paintings by the Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh. It depicts Dr. Paul Gachet, a homeopathic doctor and artist with whom van Gogh resided following a spell in an asylum at Saint-RĂŠmy-deProvence. Gachet took care of Van Gogh during the final months of his life.

It is estimated to be worth 82$ million at Christie's in current time

Portrait of Dr. Gachet

48

curated by French painter Pierre Auguste Renoir Bal du moulin de la Galette is an 1876 painting It is housed at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris and is one of Impressionism's most celebrated masterpieces.

The painting depicts a typical Sunday afternoon at the original Moulin de la Galette in the district of Montmartre in Paris

Bal du moulin de la Galette

At the age of 25, Pablo Picasso painted this piece of a Parisian boy.

At the time of its sale for $70 million at Sotheby’s in 2004, it was the most expensive piece of art sold at this particular auction. While Picasso has become one of the best-known names in the art world, Garçon à la pipe may not be recognizable as his style at first glance.The oil on canvas painting depicts a Parisian boy holding a pipe in his left hand and wearing a garland or wreath of flowers. Estimated to be worth 107$million dollars

Parisian Boy by Pablo Picasso

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-hRIaipcBL/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B86a3SulUh4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

43