Sebastian Kiarie
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One Off is pleased to present Sebastian Kiarie 'Un-Masking the Stories I Tell' Opens Saturday 25 September - 24 October 2021 Gallery Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10am - 4.30pm Please note that masks are mandatory around the gallery. |
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Artist's Statement
This show (Un- Masking the Stories I Tell), is both an expression and interpretation of how my personal beliefs and individuality interact with the cultural realities around me. Motivated by the higher purpose of capturing the truth of these interactions, my eyes attempt to un-mask humanity itself. Therefore the stories I tell in this body of work are reflective of this un-masking of the human condition.
My creative flow leads me to make figurative work that exposes the human condition for what it is. Frustrations compel me to create artwork that attempts to de-construct the supposed-truths and curiosity informs me of a need to create new visual realities for better expression.
In my art practice, I use my own simplified, stylized images and abstract elements to make work that reflects to me and to others the beauty that exists in seeing other peoples' viewpoints.
My creative flow leads me to make figurative work that exposes the human condition for what it is. Frustrations compel me to create artwork that attempts to de-construct the supposed-truths and curiosity informs me of a need to create new visual realities for better expression.
In my art practice, I use my own simplified, stylized images and abstract elements to make work that reflects to me and to others the beauty that exists in seeing other peoples' viewpoints.
Sebastian Kiarie - Nairobi - 2021
Biographical notes on Kiarie
Born in 1971 in Tanzania, where his extended family had settled to escape colonial reprisal during the 1950s state of emergency. Kiarie's parents returned to Kenya in 1976 and the self-taught artist grew and spent his youth in Ngecha village, where his parents had to grapple with perpetual land disputes. They were also subjected to social ostracism by being labelled as 'deserters'.
His development as an artist was rooted and heightened by the politically motivated Kikuyu community of Ngecha. Early on it provided him with the intuition to question and dissect the whole basis of a community's value system.
Later on in life, when these societal absurdities and personal beliefs collided and blurred the line between truths and myths, mine and ours, he began to respond by engaging artistically to create what he calls, " un- masking dialogues".
Kiarie's has had several one-man shows and participated in many group art exhibitions. His art is held in private and public collections both locally and internationally.
He resides and works in Ngecha village, Kenya.
His development as an artist was rooted and heightened by the politically motivated Kikuyu community of Ngecha. Early on it provided him with the intuition to question and dissect the whole basis of a community's value system.
Later on in life, when these societal absurdities and personal beliefs collided and blurred the line between truths and myths, mine and ours, he began to respond by engaging artistically to create what he calls, " un- masking dialogues".
Kiarie's has had several one-man shows and participated in many group art exhibitions. His art is held in private and public collections both locally and internationally.
He resides and works in Ngecha village, Kenya.
Preview of Works
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Exhibition openings are usually on the last Saturday of every month, excluding December.
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