Kenya

Ongere Art

^{I started drawing and painting at my early age as a way of play and pastime. I was capable of making very fine drawings even before I started going to school, that marked the discovery that I was naturally talented. My works of drawings and paintings were of major attractions to my peers and teachers during my school days – but there was no teacher for art who could help me with improving on the subject. My pursuing the subject was primarily my own initiative as I had confidence in my talent.}

^{I started taking my works to the galleries after visiting Gallery Watatu in 1991, meeting the proprietor, Ruth Schaffner, who introduced me to works by other artists as Joel Oswaggo, Sane Wadu, Elijah Ooko, Jak Katarikawe, Wanyu Brush, Zachary Mbutha, Jony Waite, Sekano etc. She found my works good and encouraged me to make more. I have sold several works since then through Gallery Watatu, Signature gallery (now closed), African Heritage, National museum’s Gallery of Contemporary E. African Art, German Embassy’s Offices corridors- Nairobi, Tazama Gallery, and French Cultural Centre-Nairobi.} 

^{I have mounted two exhibitions at National Museum’s Gallery of C.E.A. Art, Nairobi, and two exhibitions at MAISON FRANCAISE (French cultural center) Nairobi. I have also sent and had my paintings exhibited in Fukuoka, Japan. I have participated in several group exhibitions in the major Galleries in Nairobi, Kenya.}

^{My paintings are popular for my unique style basing on - themes I approach, originality, creativity, and competence in use of materials. Due to these attributes I have sold several paintings locally, in France, Germany, Britain and U.S.A.}

^{I like painting in oil paints, acrylics and oil pastels. I mostly use the approach of semi-abstracts as it allows me the freedom of expression. I like borrowing ideas for my paintings from contemporary social life whereby I reflect the themes of songs and dances, famine, refugees, bounty and merrymaking, pollution, man’s dependence on nature, etc. I mostly do my paintings on canvas because of its suitability to use of oil paints and acrylics.}

^{My paintings can now be found at Gallery Watatu, National Museum G.C.E.A. Art, and French Cultural Center’s Gallery – all in Nairobi. I have sold several works through www.insideafricanart.com owned by Mr. Todd Schaffer based in USA.Through his website my works have rached far as Singapore, Portugal, France, China etc.I have exhibited in Fukuoka, Japan. I am now pursuing exhibiting in U.S.A., Britain and Germany.}

^{I also work as a Teacher. I have Degree in Bachelor of Education (Second class Honours, Upper division), majoring in Fine Art,and Geography, from Kenyatta University- Nairobi, Kenya.}

^{I teach Art and Design, and have taught in major schools like Mumias Girls Secondary, Bunyore Girls Secondary, Chavakali High school, Kisumu Girls Secondary, and now at Kisumu Day High School.}

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