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Travel & Leisure
Nairobi Art Gallery: The Heart of Art By Oroni Tendera I am standing here at point zero, the centre of Nairobi where distances to all parts of Kenya are measured. Right ahead of me, sits the Nairobi Art Gallery, carefully holding Murumbi’s African artefacts on her laps. Above me, a fluffy gigantic grey cloud threatens to break loose anytime from now. Lightning sparkles. Thunder roars. A bone freezing breeze blows furiously northward towards the historical Nyayo house tower. As if acting from a cue, traffic on Uhuru highway, adjacent to the art gallery, snarls and stalls. A giant raindrop lands on my clean-shaven head. Scared, I adjust my coat and spring on my toes. “Excuse me,” a sharp tenor voice cuts me short. It dawns on me, I have not paid entry fees. I turn back and mumble Startupmagazine.co.ke Jan/Feb 2020
tens of incomprehensible apologies to the puzzled cashier, standing outside his office. He does not utter a single word. I part with Ksh 150, flash a fake 1000 watt smile at him and half walk half run to the reception. My journey to the heart of art begins right here at the entrance. Two potted plants facing each other at the main door are dancing to the rhythm of the strong wind. Next to the plants, a collection of photographs and sample artwork of pioneer East African artists are on display. Each work has an interesting story behind it. The Women’s Choir, a whimsical statue
