Pair feted for preserving history through their art
A Wagogo couple from Dodoma, Tanzania, famed witches and hyena riders, by Leonard Kateete. The National Museum of Kenya celebrated 50 years of Edward Njenga's work together with that of fellow artist Leonard Kateete, who is well known for his paintings. PHOTO/COURTESY
What you need to know:
- The National Museum of Kenya celebrated 50 years of Edward Njenga's work together with that of fellow artist Leonard Kateete, who is well known for his paintings.
- Njenga's work is mainly inspired by humans because as a social worker he was always surrounded by people and observed how they behaved.
- Kateete is mostly famous for his expressive portrait of former South African president Nelson Mandela.
Over the years art has been redefined, with artists trying as much as possible to produce unique pieces that tell a story.
In Kenya the name Edward Njenga quickly comes to mind due to his accomplishments in capturing the country’s history in stone and clay.
The National Museum of Kenya celebrated 50 years of his work together with that of fellow artist Leonard Kateete, who is well known for his paintings.
Although Kateete is a Ugandan, he did most of his work in Kenya, visiting different ethnic communities and capturing their cultures and history on canvas.
“I started sculpting in 1964 when I was a very young man. Some women used to tease me that I was playing with clay like a child but that did not deter me,” Njenga said.
His work is mainly inspired by humans because as a social worker he was always surrounded by people and observed how they behaved.
“My sculptures have a message as I look at life in general and across classes. The visual aid is important as it encourages people to think about whether they can do anything to help the situation,” said Njenga.
PAST AND PRESENT THROUGH ART
He said his art tells stories about both the old days and the present society.
Kateete is mostly famous for his expressive portrait of former South African president Nelson Mandela.
His other paintings include couples from different African communities.
His work is undoubtedly a magnificent contribution to the presentation of the physical history of the African people through art.
“I remember my most difficult task was when I had to convince an Orma couple to allow me to paint them.
Because of religious reasons, Muslims are not allowed to have a portrait of them made but luckily I was able to convince Sheikh Omar, who was also the clan elder, to pose with his wife,” Kateete said.
It will only be through emulating the work of pioneer artists like Njenga and Kateete that young talented youth can continue to capture a small part of history for future generations.
