Drawing Inspiration from Visual Arts

Exhibition at the Alliance Française, Nairobi by Florence Njoki

Inspiration is the all-important force that pushes the writer to create that brilliant story. Sometimes it occurs naturally, allowing the creative juices to flow but other times it can be quite elusive till you reach that point where you are stuck, the dreaded writer’s block. For most of my writing, especially the short stories and poetry, I derive inspiration from random sources including personal experiences, the experiences of others, favourite authors, music, the natural world, the chaos of the city, and boring meetings or conferences. The sources of inspiration are varied for every writer. However, there comes a time when you have to expand your horizons when the usual sources fall short.

I love going to art exhibitions, for both entertainment and inspiration. There is something about visual imagery, especially paintings, which moves the spirit and rouses the mind. The images affect our mood and ignite specific emotions and ideas which can translate into writing. 

I attended an art exhibition at the Alliance Française in Nairobi in early January this year, my first exhibition of the year. It was not only a delightful evening but also an event full of inspiration for writing ideas. Under the theme of ‘Moving Art across East Africa Borders’, the East Africa Art Biennale on Safari, which was launched in November 2017 in Dar es Salaam, was presented for the first time in Nairobi in 2018. It is an exhibition that brought together a multitude of upcoming and established artists from the East Africa region to ensure there was a diverse collection on display.     

With just a handful of attendants, there was a charming setting which allowed the artworks to really stand out. From the ground to the first floor there were numerous pieces, mainly by Tanzanian artists, which stood out for the African feel, themes, textures, vibrant colours, and the innovative use of materials such as ‘kitenges’.

Before formal introductions of the event organizers, sponsors, and participating artists in attendance, there was a short performance of a Luhya traditional dance routine, one of the largest tribes from the western part of Kenya. Following the introduction ceremony, the attendants were allowed to move freely from one painting to the other. Though there were few photographs and sketches, paintings were the dominant art on display. I was particularly impressed with the representation of diverse issues in the region which included nature, starvation, electoral violence, rural life, hard work, African consciousness, the persistence of traditional culture in the present age, and the Mau Mau struggle and oath-taking. The focus on Africans, our emotions regarding events that affect us, and the way we express ourselves was refreshing. It was an enlightening, sentimental, and overall beautiful evening.

Focus by Victor Binge

Concerning the artwork, three paintings stood out for their ingenuity and the immediate reaction I had to them. Beyond their visual appeal, I found myself thinking of topics I could write about based on what I had seen. The first one was a painting titled Focus by Victor Binge. With a blend of flamboyant warm colours, it portrays a person rowing against the backdrop of a tumultuous environment. The colours are immersive and warm but turbulent. The shades of red and orange around the lone individual suggest self-confidence and fearlessness. There is a desire to accomplish the task at hand despite the discouraging environment. I appreciated the use of warm colours rather than the typical cool blues to portray the waters and the skies as it brings out an element of contrast between the warm colours and the subject’s predicament, which enhances the theme.

Elephants in Colour by Gasto Kihundwa

I was similarly drawn to the painting by Gasto Kihundwa due to the colour experience. While I got excited by the bright rainbow colours, there is a certain simplicity to the art that captivates me. Representing an exciting union, it is a different take from the earthy colours that are common in wildlife paintings here.

Silent by Masoud Kibwana

The third outstanding work was the stunning art by Masoud Kibwana titled Silent. The disturbing imagery suggests the silencing of a person after falling victim to some form of injustice. The darker colours from grey and black to shades of rustic red and brown make for a melancholic and desolate subject. The looming shadow of the subject is ominous, perhaps a statement on the threatening circumstances of the silenced victim. The image calls to mind the culture of silencing victims of abuse and sexual violence, especially children, which is common within African culture. It is a haunting piece of art that raises uncomfortable questions as it interrogates a problematic culture.

Immersing myself in the art of East Africa was really inspiring since the pieces not only reflected the pains that plague the continent but also African resilience. The East Africa Art Biennale Association (EASTAFAB) fittingly curated the exhibition to reflect the African struggle and spirit.

Going to art exhibitions can stimulate creativity and inspire new ideas to advance the writing process. Whether it is the colours, the contours, the texture, the subliminal messages, or the symbolism, you will find some writing inspiration in these artistic works. The exhibition experience recalled inexhaustible ideas and subjects which I appreciate.