Exhibition: Utopia by Longinos Nagila, Jul. 7-23 2017 @ Simba Corp Apire Centre – Waiyaki Way


Opening: July 7, 2017
Venue: Simba Corp Apire Centre, Waiyaki Way
Time: 6-8 pm

Until: July 23, 2017

About
It’s horrible when people are only interested in buying labels, because it doesn’t bring them the happiness they think it will. – Miuccia Prada (Italian Fashion Designer)

Luxury is a state of mind. – L’Wren Scott (American Fashion Designer)

In this conceptual installation, Longinos Nagila looks at the relationship between the buyer and seller who consume luxury goods.

Nagila uses the conversation surrounding migrants to Europe and the fake goods they sell, specifically on the streets of Italy, to people who yearn for an impression that they can’t afford.

His work explores the idea of a “new utopia,” a better world based on what luxury goods promise. This may be employment for the migrants who sell fake bags, or the impression of wealth/ status to the buyer of this fake luxury good.

Both buyer and seller are in search of this bigger dream at whatever cost and both buyer and seller are in some way linked, part slave – part dreamer to the life of fake “luxury.” This alternative utopia is played out on the open street where both dreamers are equalised and at the same time where their vulnerabilities are exposed. The seller is in constant fear of being arrested by the police and the buyer is in constant fear of being spotted buying a fake “luxury” good.

Nagila taps into his past as a construction worker and a rural – urban migrant (Busia to Nairobi) who eventually travelled and lived in Italy.

The exhibition is the most extensive of his work and features sculptural pieces, video art and paintings.

Album Launch: Days of my Life by Shoeshine Boy, Jul. 7 2017 @ Goethe Institut


Date: July 7, 2017
Venue: Goethe Institut
Time: 7 pm
Tickets: KES 500 + get one copy of the Album free

About
Days of My Life by Shoeshine Boy is an album that will not only make you get up and start dancing to the sensational reggae beat but at some point it will make you lean back against the wall and reflect.

It’s an album that has been inspired by the memories of the TuneDem Band leader, Kepha Charles, about what his father was teaching him as growing up in the ghetto. It’s about the life as a long journey full of ups and downs, turns and twists, responsibility and accountability. It’s about the purpose which is simply love and making the world a better place.

Admission: 500/= KSh + get one copy of the Album free

Lovers Rock Reggae Ft. DJ Crimah and DJ Jimmy Jamz, Jul. 7 2017 @ Karen Village


Date: July 7, 2017
Venue: Karen Village
Time: from 7 pm till late

About
An event for the Lover’s rock. Reggae music, an amazing offer for local beers at 180/= during happy hour. We shall feature two DJ’s; DJ Crimah and DJ Jimmy Jamz. This night is set to be an extraordinary fun filled night, where we will be bringing Peace, Love and Unity with good vibes to Karen Village. With an epic line up of the best DJ’s we will be grooving to the sweet sound of Reggae and Lovers Rock music all night long.

Don’t miss out on a night of great music and great ambience at Piga Moja.

DAMAGE: 400 kshs redeemable for 2 beers!!!

‘Nalini’ Pop-up Exhibition, Jul. 4-10 2017 @ Kuona Art Gallery

Opening: Tuesday, July 4, 2017
Venue: Kuona Art Gallery
Time: 2 pm
Entry: Free and open to all

Until: July 10, 2017

About
Our outgoing resident artist, Arpita Shah will tomorrow unveil what she has ducpro on in a pop-up exhibition expected to run until 10th July 2017.

In the exhibition, Arpita will showcase her work-in-progress, from the series ‘Nalini’ which is supported by Creative Scotland. ‘Nalini’ is a long-term photo-based project that centres on Shah’s maternal lineage and is being developed across India, Kenya and UK.

About the artist
Arpita Shah is a visual artist and arts community facilitator based in Scotland, UK. She works between photography and film, exploring themes around culture and identity. Arpita has completed residencies at Street Level Photoworks, Ankur Arts and Tramway, Scotland.

She was commissioned by Creative Scotland to develop new work for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, and exhibits internationally, most recently in India, France and the USA.

You can read more and see her works in her website.