I spent a lot of time at the Banana Hill art studio meeting the artists and purchasing their paintings. The studio and gallery are primarily run by Shine Tani, a well-respected and internationally acclaimed Kenyan artist. In the compound of the studio is a residential area behind the gallery where many of the resident artists live and raise their families. This make for a very lively atmosphere where kids are scampering around and everything is very casual.
Humorous artist Kibuja in front of painting
One of the artists, Kibunja, is very proud of his paintings and expressed his delight at our visiting, and was especially happy to sell to us one of his paintings then, and another just the other day. Kibunja struck me to be both a talented and humorous character – reeking of beer and bangi on alternative visits. He always wore a smile and I know why!
Shade Kamau, was more stolid and serious about his art, though I had a hard time appreciating most of it. He has a wonderful way with colors, but his topics I thought to be strange. Where Kibunja stuck to what he liked – simple round-faced characters – Shade wandered through subjects, never quite settling on something that struck him to be explored further.
The aloof Simon Kariuki had a great many paintings on display. I compare his style to Andrew Kamondia. Both are experimental in subject but much more refined as far as talent goes. I tend to think of Kamondia as a ‘surreal realist’, and I think that Simon falls into this category; subject-wise wandering, but very skilled in painting and reproduction. Also see Simon Muriithi, one of the top-tier Banana Hill artists.
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| Artist: David Kimani Title: Pouring in Millet Dimensions: 13″ x 10″ (33 x 25cm) Medium: Acrylic on paper Price: $100 New Price |
Artist: David Kimani Title: Brewing Dimensions: 13″ x 10″ (33 x 25cm) Medium: Acrylic on paper Price: $100 New Price |
Artist: Shade Kamau Title: Meditation Dimensions: 8.5″ x 12″ (22 x 30cm) Medium: Oil on canvas Price: Sold! |
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| Artist: Shade Kamau Title: Meditation Dimensions: 19″ x 14″ (48 x 36cm) Medium: Acrylic on paper Price: $140 |
Artist: Peter Kabunja Title: Portrait Dimensions: 9″ x 5″ (22 x 13cm) Medium: Acrylic on paper Price: Sold! |
Artist: Simon Kariuki Title: Don’t Cry Wonderful Bird II Dimensions: 10.5″ x 17″ (27 x 43cm) Medium: Oil on canvas Price: $200 |
Sorry so many paintings sold. I will be adding some additional Simon Kariuki shortly.
If you are interested in any of the Banana Hill artist’s paintings, you can Make an Offer by using the Contact Page or by emailing me at: todd@insideafricanart.com. Or, better yet, go to the Purchasing Page to make a purchase!
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