New Faces of Art-Collecting in Nairobi
The red dot means an artwork is SOLD, TAKEN and SPOKEN FOR. It is the begin of a beautiful journey for both the artist and the buyer. Up until now, middle class Africans have been rather quiet in the art collecting arena; finding the process to be snooty or closed off. But in Nairobi at least, all of that is beginning to change with the help of the friendly faces over at the Circle Art Agency.
Friday June 28th saw Circle Art host its 3rd pop-up exhibition entitled “EAST ARICAN ENCOUNTERS” The show featured the work of artists from 6 countries: Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Sudan and Ethiopia. The room was peppered with interesting individuals—artsy casuals, expensive, mature and spry—nibbling on Camembert and sipping tasty Absolut cocktails that were being served by bow-tied waiters…
Zihan Kassam from Circle Art explaining the finer details of a work…
Danda Jaroljmek from Circle Art Agency and Don Anderson
The interesting thing about Circle Art exhibitions though—aside from the remarkable artworks they curate and offer—is the growing local Collector’s Club.
Often the reasons people don’t get into art collecting is because it seems like a very ambiguous and inaccessible world. It is often an intimidating thought to start collecting. You don’t know what price range to start out in. You aren’t sure what your personal taste is and you don’t know what will accrue value over time. Rachel Kabuya is new to the local art-collecting scene. We found out a little bit about her entry into this exciting society…
Rachel Kabuya, 26, Environmental Specialist
“I met Fiona, one of the partners at Circle Art Agency, at a dinner party. We were just having a casual conversation about what she did and I just started to ask more questions about collecting. I shared some of the reasons why I hadn’t collected before and she just told me to come along to their next show, PAPER. I went to the show, left with 3 pieces, felt amazing about it and so my journey began.
When I went to pick up my Simon Miriti pieces, I asked how I might be able to get more consistent information and I was told about Circle Art’s Collector’s Club. This is where the agency just keeps you updated on exhibitions and events and you can always ask for guidance and advice on what to buy. Now, I always make it a point to buy at least one piece at every show I go to.
My aunt is in the arts and has always encouraged me to start collecting from an early age. However, I just prioritized other things over collecting up until now. Now that I’m into it, it’s addictive and I will continue until I reach my goal. That goal being: to have a home that tells a unique story of African art.”
What I’d like to call “The Start Small Rack”
After spending all this time at Circle Art, I, personally, am completely sold on the idea of starting an art collection now. For the time being, I will stick to the “Start Small Rack”, BUT, if I had all the money in the world, I would have definitely stuck a red dot on these works…
By Liz Maelane
