Arts View

Sept 2024 – Nov 2024

Naitiemu Nyanjom: Multi-disciplinary Artist

Nairobi, Kenya

Naitiemu is a Kenyan material, production and performance artist, with a background in civil engineering.

Her practice focuses on finding her identity as an individual connected with community and nature; guided by the African Philosophy of Ubuntu.

She explores diverse materials and processes, telling emotional stories about female consciousness, culture and mental health awareness; using experimental audio visual installations, up-cycling waste, videos and other tech to enhance story-telling.

In essence, Naitiemu’s art is a dialogue between the past, the present and future,connecting nature and humanity.

It is a journey into the heart of traditional knowledge and self exploration. An invitation to rediscover the simplicity and power of nature’s remedies; by merging these elements, she hopes to foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world and inspire a holistic approach to a more conscious lifestyle.

AGN; You have chosen to pursue an artistic path although you have a degree in civil engineering, why is that?

NN; I have numerous interests besides art and engineeering, However, art provides a gateway between our environment and the human condition like no other conduit for me.

It allows for objects to be utilized in a myriad of ways and for stories about our experiences and life in general to be narrated and framed in seemingly infinite ways. I find this beyond fascinating; it chimes with who I am at my very core and this is why I have chosen this path.

AGN; What are the biggest challenges you face in order to sustain yourself as a professional artist and are there any factors that are particularly heightened due to your gender?

NN; I find challenges mostly around consistency of sales. I am trying more things in order to smooth out the peaks and troughs in income e.g. utilizing more platforms to sell my art and creating prints/reproductions of my paintings. Prints enable more people to buy my work but they are priced at a lower rate than an original piece.

At times I have had conversations with clients which can become mysogonistic and that can make one feel undervalued. I have developed mechanisms to cope and handle such situations better. While it is not a common occurrence it is something I would rather didn’t happen at all.

AGN; From a commercial perspective, where would you say your art yields the biggest return and why do you think that is the case?

NN; The biggest return comes from selling my original art work as opposed to reproductions/prints of it. I would say the number of my clients is fairly balanced in terms of those that are local or based abroad.

Previously I would sell more internationally but I am pleased to say things have transformed in recent years and there is more of an appreciation domestically for art.

AGN; You hail from the Maasai people who are known all over the world for their culture. Is there a general misconception you find people from elsewhere have about the Maasai?

NN; I feel the portrayal that has been put out there because of the commercialisation of the culture paints a distorted view that is quite narrow. The fact of the matter is that our culture is quite diverse. There are different kinds of Maasai and our culture is not uniform across the expanse of territory my people have roamed through over the ages or now settled within; hence what I see reflected back as who the Maasai are can at times be quite jarring.

AGN; Through your art you hope to inspire a ‘holistic approach to a more conscious lifestyle‘.

In light of the materialistic and disposable nature that permeates through much of modern life, do you find your motive is easily accepted in general by others or do you encounter a lot of push back; either way, what can you highlight about the way your motive is mostly received?

NN; I believe that we are all connected with each other, the environment and objects that surrond us. We are part of nature and must align with its cycles for a more holistic existence.

I find that people respond positively to what I do and that in general we have an innate desire to embrace nature. Some may only do so when the opportunity avails while others may do all they can to live in harmony with the natural world.

AGN; Your practice is guided by the African philosophy of ubuntu. How does that manifest in real terms?

NN; This philosophy is about emphasising the interconnectedness between us as people, communities and our environment. The projects I create or involve myself with tend to reflect this philosophy.

I have worked on installations where I have utilized waste materials e.g. discarded bottles and soda cans to create a transformative space that promote a sense of calm, introspection and helps to enhance connections between those present.

AGN; Is there a specfic area or location that is integral to your work, i.e. as a result of your lived experience in that place are there often aspects of your work which are reflective of it?

NN; The place I grew up in is called Nanyuki. It is a place that has a lot of open fields, trees and plants. It lies within the shadow of mount Kenya.

I used to spend time in the natural environment in Nanyuki and marvel at its beauty. My time there really impressed upon me the value of the natural world and it is often reflected in my work.

AGN; How did attending Moi Girls High School, in Eldoret, impact your journey to become an artist?

NN; It was great for me as I got to study art and design during the four years I was there. Prior to that I would just rely on my own intuition to create things at home but while at school I got to learn about art history, processes and techniques which gave me a solid foundation that I utilize up to today.

AGN; From the standpoint of producing work, you are of the view that it is not good for an artist to stay within their comfort zone. Why do you hold such a perspective?

NN; I think staying within ones comfort zone regardless of whether one is an artist or otherwise is not that progressive. Staying comfortable kills curiosity. I have to stay curious and open to seeing things in different ways.

Creating different ways to experience and utilize objects, techniques and practices is enhanced if one retains a healthy sense of curiosity.

AGN; What would you point to as one of the pinnacles of your career as an artist to date and why does this mean so much to you?

NN; That is a difficult one as there are a number of things I could highlight; such as having my first solo exhibition in 2018. I got to share my work in a cohesive way and present the connection between me, myself and I. It was great to be able to express my views on how I had got to where I was at that point and to hear about peoples perspectives on that.

It’s also been a highlight to work as part of ‘Nairobi Design’ as a festival lead. That entailed curating and coordinating the festival amongst other things. I got to see how expansive the art and design community is.

A further highlight is a project I was the lead artist on called Enkang’ Ang’ (Our Home) project. It provided an opportunity for me to assemble a team of creatives to explore and present aspects of Maasai daily life and culture through traditional and modern methods of engagement e.g. performance art, photography, 3D scans and VR.

AGN; In terms of the bigger picture, what contribution would you have liked to have made to the arts scene in Kenya or Africa as a whole by the end of your career?

NN; I would definlty love for art to be far more accessible to everyone, espcially children. It is happening more and more with time and it is somehting I would like to keep encouraging.

Creating an environment that makes art more accessible for all as well as conscentising people in Africa to place greater value on things from our indigenous past in way that is holistic and inclusive is something I would like to be known to have contributed towards.

AGN; How would those who know you well describe your personality/character?

NN; They would say I am inquistive and hyper curious and that I like to find out about things in greater detail. They would proably say I am fascinated about the world at large and typically quite layed back.

AGN; What do you like to do in your free time?

NN; I like to take walks. I also enjoy planting and cooking.

AGN; What is your favorite thing to eat and why?

NN; I love the taste of ‘Pilau’, it is a dish that originates from the coast of Kenya and comprises of rice, stew, meat and spices. I just love to eat.

AGN; Is there a movie or TV programme that is your best of all time and if so what is it and why do you feel that way about it?

NN; Two movies spring to mind. One is from my childhood and is called ‘Sarafina’. It impacted me the first time I watched it and resonates up to now because of my nostalgia about watching it. The portrayal of the story line, the music and dancing were so compelling and moving.

The other movie is called ‘Nairobi Half Life’. It is about how the life of hustlers live in Nairobi. I found it compelling because of the narration. The acting was captivating and it was something that really connected with me.

AGN; Is there anything you would like to add?

NN; Firstly, thank you. This process helped me to remember somethings about myself that where not necessarily front and centre of my mind.

I also want to encourage anyone who wishes to become an artist to go for it. The more you do it the better you get at it. While it may appear uphill at times, you just have to keep going.

Previous ‘Arts View’ features are available here; archive

Editor:
Ri Iyovwaye

on behalf of African Global Networks (AGN) – Sept 2024