The Nairobi National Museum is proud to present “Dance to the Rhythm of My Soul,” a month-long exhibition running from August 5th to 31st, celebrating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Kenya. This eagerly awaited exhibition unites three internationally acclaimed artists – Oh Myung Hee, Prina Shah, and Nadia Wamunyu – whose works transcend cultural and temporal boundaries, offering profound insights into identity shaped by personal, collective, and cultural memory.
Central to the exhibition is ‘Nowness,’ exploring contemporary identity from a female perspective. “Dance to the Rhythm of My Soul” dives into our sense of self through the intricate lens of memory, weaving together diverse yet shared cultural experiences across Asia and Africa. Kenya and Korea share a vibrant history rooted in rich heritage and proud national identities. Both nations overcame colonization – Kenya by the British and Korea by the Japanese, who even banned the Korean language. Despite these challenges, their cultural heritages have thrived and continue to blaze their own paths.
Oh Myung Hee is renowned for her mastery of mother-of-pearl, acrylic on canvas, and Geonchil – a traditional Korean lacquering technique embodying Korean cultural heritage. Her work on show features two cycles, each exploring significant themes in Korean women’s history. The first cycle focuses on Korean Giseang, highly trained artists in music, conversation, and poetry, akin to Japanese geishas. Her art salutes the Giseang’s audacity, courage, and trailblazing spirit in the fight for Korean women’s emancipation. The second cycle, “Ganggangsullae” or “Moondance,” captures the exhilarating harvest-time performance where women sang and danced all night, expressing their innermost thoughts without societal judgment.
Prina Shah presents a powerful site-specific installation comprising seven vibrant sculptural balls, each symbolizing a chakra and reflecting her rich Asian heritage. Adorned with handwritten ink messages, these intricate creations resonate with memories, serving as the ‘voice’ that energizes each chakra. A mirrored door stands before the balls, inviting viewers to engage in deep self-reflection and encouraging them to explore their own memories and identities. Rooted in meditation and her life experiences, Shah’s art delves into human evolution and consciousness, celebrating cultural connections and personal creativity.
Nadia Wamunyu lives and works in Nairobi, with her art shown throughout the African continent and worldwide. Inspired by her tutor Patrick Mubaki, her expansive works include themes of women’s rights, feminism, the body, identity, and memories. Her collections celebrate black women, depicted as powerful gymnasts exuding pride, potential, and character – and in continuous motion, symbolizing time’s passage and the relentless quest for self-discovery.
Diversity and Direction
Challenging traditional gender dynamics, “Dance to the Rhythm of My Soul” features three groundbreaking female artists from diverse cultural backgrounds exploring how memory impacts identity. The exhibition, curated by Metamorphosis Art Projects, London, emphasizes the bonds between Korea and Kenya.
Engagement
A series of workshops and round-table discussions will accompany the exhibition, held in collaboration with Kenyatta University of Nairobi and the University of Seoul. These sessions are designed to deepen engagement with the exhibition’s themes and foster dialogue among artists, scholars, and the community. A comprehensive catalogue featuring essays and studies from curators and art critics will provide insight into the artworks, practices, and the contemporary East African art scene.
International Scope
Following its premiere in Nairobi, the exhibition aims to travel to Seoul, London, Amsterdam, and the Middle East, incorporating local artists at each venue. This fosters an exchange of ideas and perspectives, highlighting the importance of personal memory and cultural identity in contemporary art worldwide.
The exhibition will open with a VIP reception on August 6th, inaugurated by the Korean ambassador HE Sung-jun Yeo. For more information, please visit the Nairobi National Museum.
