Ngecha Artist Association

Ngecha Art Association

Art in Ngecha: A History

Ngecha is a small rural village in Kenya with a long tradition of art. Many years ago, the community accorded prestige and honor to its blacksmiths for their ability to take rough metal from the earth and create the beautiful tools that villagers used for labor and hunting. Women also participated in traditional art by using the abundant natural clay found in the village to create pottery pieces that were both beautiful and functional.

Thirty years ago, as art throughout Africa was becoming popular among international visitors, many artists in Ngecha began to target an international audience. These artists became skilled in many different artistic media, including painting, carving, and sculpture. Today, artists in Ngecha focus on personal expression, both individual and communal, through art. The Artist Association paints public murals in the village with the input of the community that have political themes and focus on human rights issues. These murals serve to educate villagers about community problems, such as drug use, and human rights such as the right to health and clean water. The artists feel empowered through their artistic expression in the face of poverty and a corrupt political system. They also believe that art sales have developed the community economically and provided hope and gainful employment for youths.

Currently, the associations vision is to earn enough funds to erect an art-oriented community center. Their dream is to create a safe space for the education and fellowship of a new generation of artists.

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Pause Visions – Ngecha Artist Association from Jon Hickey on Vimeo.