On show, the fine art of making art

Exhibitions show creative work, rarely the intriguing process of creation itself, which is why one current show in Nairobi is so interesting.

Constructions sets out to explain the process — the inspiration and realisation of different forms of art — rather than simply present completed works.

A helpful explanation glued to the wall notes that creativity involves problem solving, finding new ideas and new associations of ideas, fuelled by insight.

Curated by 3 Collect (the photographer James Muriuki, and artists Miriam Syowia Kyambi and Kivubiru Tabawebbula), the show is on at the Kuona Arts Centre off Likoni Road until the end of this month.

Lean and thoughtful, it repays a visit.

Only three artists are presented — the signwriter James Gathee, the dancer Sarah Kwala, and the animation artist Muchiri Njenga.

I think it is fair to say the curators chose them for the variety they offered while avoiding big names so visitors would focus on the process by which the work was achieved rather than the work itself.

Pinning the whole show together is a 20-minute video that shows the three at work as they explain what it is they are doing, how they go about it and what they hope to achieve.

It is essential viewing to an understanding — and enjoyment — of the exhibition.

Centrepiece of the gallery are two cut-outs of the dancer Sarah Kwala, linked by her footsteps inked onto a roll of brown paper. It’s clever, imaginative and, well, walks the walk.

By following the steps (which would of course be invisible in any live performance of contemporary dance) you can understand the tension in the limbs, the lithe power of Kwala’s body leading to her final curled leap. It brings the show to life — a brilliant coup de theatre.

The signwriter’s strongest suite on this showing seems to be matatu route numbers, hung like Christmas decorations at the entrance.

Gathee’s paintings appear to be somewhat less sure than his lettering.

His stab at Botticelli’s Birth of Venus left the Florentine master fatally wounded, while his attempt to reproduce the famous photograph of Dedan Kimathi was another unfortunate choice.

Gathee’s homage to the singer Rhiannon may just about be recognisable to a besotted fan, while his two dancers twirling was clearly unfinished and so showed the creative process at mid-point. Sort of.