Intersection of Art and Collaboration: Reflecting on "Notes on Friendship: Breaking Bread"
- The African Village Girl
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Just a day after its grand opening, I had the distinct pleasure of experiencing the "Notes on Friendship: Breaking Bread" exhibition at the Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute (NCAI). My visit wasn't the typical quiet stroll through a gallery; instead, it was a unique convergence of painting, drawing, sculpture, film, and video, as I also joined the NCAI Bookclub's movie screening (very late!). This layered experience sparked profound reflections on collaboration, identity, and the stories that bind us.
"Notes on Friendship: Breaking Bread" is a captivating initiative born from the partnership between NCAI and the Savannah Centre for Contemporary Art (SCCA) in Tamale, Ghana, showcasing the works of 23 talented artists. As I moved through the exhibition space, the curatorial vision became clear: to foster connection and facilitate the exchange of knowledge between artists from East and West Africa. The exhibition beautifully explores friendship as a potent catalyst for creativity, evident not only in the collaborative spirit underpinning the show but also in the palpable sense of community nurtured during its creation.
The exhibition is thoughtfully structured around three compelling thematic configurations: "About Us," "Nostalgia," and "Objects." "About Us" delves into the narratives that shape our individual identities, while "Nostalgia" offers perspectives deeply rooted in history and its contemporary interpretations. "Objects" adopts a more speculative lens, examining the future through the tangible world of materiality. The sheer diversity of the featured artists, spanning generations, mediums, and disciplines, truly brought these themes to life. From Sidney Mang’ong’o’s bold geometrical coloured bands to Kevin Haizel’s thought-provoking ‘Oware’ board game video installation, and Priscilla Kennedy’s textile woven art—a stunning tapestry of beads, sequins, glow-in-the-dark threads, and velvet cutouts embroidered on indigo kente—each artist contributed a distinct and vital voice to this enriching cross-regional dialogue.
Knowing that the exhibition aimed to "reveal fresh possibilities and modalities for artistic collaboration across regions and cultivate models of mutual support that transcend geographical boundaries" resonated deeply as I settled in for the films in gallery 3. Surrounded by these compelling artworks, the cinematic experience gained an added layer of meaning, drawing connections between visual narratives and the power of storytelling on screen. The act of "breaking bread"—both literally, perhaps, in the shared experience of the book club, and metaphorically, through the artistic exchange embodied by the exhibition—felt incredibly significant.
Strolling through the gallery, I encountered truly provocative art, an on-site sound installation, Can You Hold Sound? by Wairimu Nduba, that continues to intrigue me. A return visit is definitely to unravel its mysteries. Drawn to vibrant hues, I was immediately captivated by Nd00ta’s colourful zine, an ode to Blackness, and Dennis Muraguri’s lively depiction of Nairobi, complete with a brightly branded matatu and a familiar background. However, it was Adjoa Ohemeng’s oil and acrylic painting, ‘What Will This Holy Grail Dominant Painting’, that truly stopped me in my tracks. Its maximalist energy drew me in and out of its world completely. I undoubtedly spent the most time in awe of her work. Adding another layer of intrigue was the suspenseful short film (yes, film as part of the art!) ‘Kafuni’ by Leonard Kubaloe. No spoilers here—it’s a must-see, and you might even catch two films showing on loop!
Make sure to visit NCAI and immerse yourself in "Notes of Friendship: Breaking Bread." And while you're at it, keep an eye out for "Weaving Stories" (more on that soon)—both are essential contributions to the contemporary art scene and powerful testaments to the strength and beauty of collaborative and representational storytelling. Let's proudly embrace our Black narratives!
RSVP for a visit.
Featured artists: Agnes Waruguru, Beatrice Wanjiku, Daniel Arnan Quarshie, Dennis Muraguri, Eric Gyamfi, Florence Wangui, Galle Winston Kofi Dawson, Gideon Asmah, Jojo Abdullah, Jonathan Fraser, Kevin Haizel, Leonard Kubaloe, Maame Adjoa Ohemeng, Maame Araba Opoku, Morris Foit, nd00ta, Ngugi Waweru, Priscilla Kennedy, Robin Riskin, Selasi Sosu, Sidney Mang’ong’o, Taabu Muyoki and Wairimũ Nduba.
Resources
Most information from NCAI’s publication: ‘Notes of Friendship: Breaking Bread’ Exhibition Guide
Glossary:
matatu—PSVS buses usually 14 or 24 seaters, which has inspired the matatu culture in Kenya. The vehicles act as a blank canvas to artists and painters who show off their prowess and talent through the client’s choice of art. I mean, we have Ngaya Awards- it is a legitimate type of legacy in these streets.
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