At School recently we recently heard about an artist called Gakonga from Africa.
I had not seen art like this before and liked it so much i wanted to share it and tell everyone about it.
I really like his art because he tries to capture every movement, jump and arm wobble from the Kenyan dance. He uses bright colours which help people who are sad feel happy.
Gakonga has his own website and have copied his words below which tell us about him and his painting.
His website is here. http://freespace.virgin.net/jgakonga.mugumo/aboutgakonga.html
“I was born and raised in the beautiful country of Kenya. It was there that I first began to paint, inspired by the colours, dance and music, I let my paintbrush try to capture the vibrancy of my culture.Every painting is a flowing story-every colour is a moving word! I set my spirit free as I capture the melting colours of a golden sunset, or the hot pulsing colours of a warriors dance. Each work is pure pleasure to produce and I hope you will agree they are pure pleasure to look at and to own. I’ve done many exhibitions, and am very well known locally in my home here in London.
My joy of painting was something I longed to share, and I have done many school work-shops [and still do] also I’ve taught adults, it is wonderful to watch those with little confidence turn white paper into all that Kenyan sunshine and happiness! My works have been used in cross-stitch and tapestry kits produced by the wonderful company Anchor, of which I am very proud, for my works are like my children. I love thinking they are bringing the warmth and love that Kenya inspired in me, and that those who own them will feel this joy whenever they stop to look at them.
Although I no longer live in Kenya, my inspiration and wonderful imagination still has me producing new and commissioned works! I also produce a huge amount of artcards as well as greetings cards, I can even boast that I have designed a book cover for Penguin books.
I enjoy my life, and hope you see this in my work for life is a dance and as we move we should ENJOY. I have achieved many things, even having dinner with Her Majesty The Queen! A humble Kenyan man with a dream, a dance to be danced, I’ve enjoyed every step and hope YOU will join me in the dance, as you view my work and perhaps choose a dance of your very own
Every day is precious ENJOY
Gakonga.”
daisybooblog 