Wangari Mathenge Debuts Sculptures and Paintings at Lévy Gorvy Dayan

Artist Wangari Mathenge has made her debut at the Lévy Gorvy Dayan gallery with an exhibition titled "Wangari Mathenge: Re-membering." This exhibition showcases five new paintings by Mathenge, alongside her inaugural collection of sculptures. These sculptures represent a significant new dimension in her artistic practice, marking a departure from her previously established medium of painting. The creation of these sculptures was a deeply personal and collaborative endeavor, undertaken in Nairobi with the artist's mother and her mother's circle of friends. This collaborative process underscores themes of heritage, memory, and intergenerational connection that are central to Mathenge's artistic exploration.

Mathenge's work consistently delves into the complexities of identity, diaspora, and the enduring impact of historical narratives on contemporary life. Her paintings often feature bold, gestural brushstrokes and a vibrant palette, depicting figures and abstract forms that evoke a sense of both personal history and collective experience. The introduction of sculpture in "Re-membering" allows her to explore these themes in a more three-dimensional and tactile manner. The materials and techniques employed in the sculptures are intended to further amplify the narratives of connection and reconstruction that define the exhibition's core concept. The exhibition's title, "Re-membering," itself suggests a process of piecing together fragmented memories and identities, a theme that is visually and conceptually embodied in both the paintings and the sculptures.

Lévy Gorvy Dayan, a prominent contemporary art gallery with locations in New York and London, provides a significant platform for Mathenge's latest body of work. The gallery is known for representing a diverse roster of established and emerging artists, fostering critical dialogue around contemporary art practices. Mathenge's inclusion in their exhibition schedule highlights her growing recognition within the international art world. Her artistic journey, marked by a consistent engagement with themes of belonging and cultural inheritance, finds a new expression in this dual presentation of painting and sculpture. The collaborative aspect of the sculpture creation, involving her mother and her mother's friends, adds a layer of intimate storytelling, transforming the artistic process into a shared act of remembrance and creation. This approach imbues the artworks with a profound sense of personal history and communal experience, inviting viewers to contemplate their own connections to memory and heritage.