Simple, Smart & Serene: At Home with Johannes Hossfeld
Situated along State House Road, among the many apartment buildings, we find the home of former Director at the Goethe- Institut, Johannes Hossfeld. His space fascinatingly displays classic modernism. The living room has a TV (which, in five years, has never been switched on); a larger than life vintage home library and the kitchen that has black and white floors. “I don’t watch TV and I don’t have much furniture,” says Johannes of his space that boasts of tidiness, simplicity and collections. The lone Swahili decorated wooden chair on your way into the dining room was bought in Lamu, while the out-of-place drum with African adornment was a “gift from Ghana.”
Most of the furniture, like the table in the dining cum study area, and the huge book case (including the books), were shipped in from Germany when Johannes moved over to Nairobi. They are now going to be shipped back (his tenure in Nairobi ended in September). “I love photography and various painters like Peter Kamwathi and Gor Soudan among Kenyan artists,” he declares. There are some paintings and photography, including a rare black and white hand-coloured photo (a famous technique in the 40s) of a woman from a Northern Kenya tribe, hanging on his white walls. “I have no particular order in my house,” a surprising statement of such an orderly space. “I love houses that are not crammed as they bring out the form of unique things, like my dominating tables. I also love things out of context like my mannequin, which was a special gift.” He’s going to miss the peacefulness of working in his so-green terrace overlooking a beautiful view of State House Road, alongside his four cats, now roaming gracefully around the house and the terrace outside. “They always thought that they owned the house and I am their servant to give them food,” he says.
Starting November, Johannes will mainly be in charge of the Goethe-Institut International Film Department and will be based in Germany. Like the Goethe-Institut Kenya Facebook Page, for more on events and classes.
By Anyiko Owoko
