By Abdi Ali
Published July 1, 2016
The first weekend of July appears to be well planned for lovers of art and travel in Kenya.
Setting pace at the coastal town of Mombasa is an art exhibition by Joseph Allan Green. The event is at Fort Jesus Museum and runs through July 31, 2016.
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Back in the capital, Nairobi, are two shows: Reflections: A Photo Odyssey by South Korean artist Byung Tae Kim, explores ‘Nature’ as a form of art and as a medium of communication based on Oriental thinking.
The adage of less is more rings ever more true with shot after shot of vast expanse skies, vividly empty landscapes and silent, still silhouettes.
Though exhibiting photography taken in the world-famous Maasai Mara Game Reserve, Byung Tae Kim contends the show “depicts not so much excursions out to the wild as it does incursions into the soul. It shows a natural outlet for emptying oneself – a pathway to clearing the mind, cleansing the spirit and unburdening the heart. It depicts a means to let loose the imagination, light as a spore, to soar high with the wind into the azure skies and to sweep low across the wide grasslands unhindered, no place out of reach. In doing thus, one comes to see that freedom, order and comfort are inherent in nature.”
The second show, a two-month event that began on May 7 but whose duration has now been extended to July 31, is titled Pots and Identities: The language of clay.
“This exhibition is the archaeologist version of the Kenyan history and the contemporary practices of potters/artists through the language of clay,” says a publicity poster for the event. “The identity of the potter is easily discernible from either the style or decorations of the pot.”
On show are archaeological and traditional pottery alongside contemporary works by artists like Magdalene Odundo, Edward Njenga, Waithira Chege and Emmanuel Ondif.
On the travel front, Lets Go Travel agency says it has several breakaway packages that are valid till July 31, 2016.
A weekend self-drive to Island Camp on Lake Baringo in Kenya’s Rift Valley costs Sh12000 per person in a single room and Sh10000 per person. These rates cover a single night full board, transfer to and from the island, taxes and community fees.
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A road package covering two-night full board, boat transfer to and from the island, taxes and community fees costs Sh36000 per person in a single and Sh32000 per person in double accommodation.
Still available is a two-night flying package to Samburu Game Reserve starting from Sh75000 per person sharing. The package caters for return flight, return Samburu airstrip transfer, Full board accommodation and Shared game drive. And know what? This flying package is valid July 1-October 15, 2016!
