Since its establishment, NCAI has been committed to building a collection that records and celebrates East Africa's rich and diverse artistic heritage. The exhibition 60 Years serves as evidence of this dedication, featuring a carefully selected range of artworks spanning six decades that reflect the region's vibrant artistic history. The permanent collection is a cornerstone of NCAI, embodying the institution's mission to promote, conserve, and make art and the history of artmaking in East Africa accessible to our audience. So far, the collection includes works by artists from Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Africa, with the earliest works in the collection going back to the 1960s.
While having a historical bent, 60 Years does not follow a strict chronology—instead, the exhibition groups artworks based on formal and thematic affinities. Notably, the selection calls attention to artists’ exploration of the natural world and the use of figuration for various forms of social commentary, ranging from portraiture and direct representation to more symbolic and even fantastical approaches. 60 Years features works in painting - a medium that remains widespread in Eastern Africa today - as well as drawing, printmaking, and sculpture. The exhibition and the collection, as a whole, highlight critical moments in the evolution of East African art and reflect previous and current thematic concerns and creative dialogues within the region's art scene.
Featured artists: Josephine Alacu, Rashid Diab, Morris Foit, Meek Gichugu, Banadda Godfrey, Francis Kahuri, Gakunju Kaigwa, Peterson Kamwathi, Jak Katarikawe, Mwenze Kibwanga, Richard Kimathi, David Koloane, Syowia Kyambi, Onyis Martin, Fabian Mpagi, Enock Mukiibi, Peter Mulindwa, Theresa Musoke, Louis Mwaniki, Chemu Ng'Ok, John Njenga, Paul Njihia, Livingstone Nkata, Chelenge Van Rampelberg, Charles Sekano, Kefa Ssempangi, Pilkington Ssengendo, Etale Sukuro, Afewerk Tekle, Tabitha Wa Thuku, Sane Wadu.
NCAI is generously supported by White Cube and David Zwirner Gallery, with additional support from Gerd Schwandner, Mercedes Villardel, and Dale Matthias. Special thanks to Mercedes Villardell for her contributions to the NCAI Permanent Collection. We are grateful for the continued commitment to NCAI’s mandate to promote and conserve art from East Africa.
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