Installation shot, Credit: Circle Art Gallery
Shabu Mwangi, born in 1985, began his artistic journey in 2003. Residing and working in the Mukuru slum (Nairobi, Kenya), he founded the Wajukuu Art Project, a project established in 2004 by a group of artists living in the Mukuru informal settlement with a common goal to create a community-based organization to empower youth through art, driven by a passion for using his art to shed light on the lives of disadvantaged minorities in his community. Shabu has participated in community initiatives with organizations such as Art2be and Hope Worldwide which promote the use of art as an expression tool for positive living and social change.
In 2017, he was the artist-in-residence at S27 Kunst Und Bildung in Berlin. He also had many exhibitions throughout the years which include but not limited to "Stateless," a solo exhibition at Circle Art Gallery in 2017; "Pop-Up Africa" at GAFRA in London, 2017; "Out of the Slum" in Essen, Germany, 2012; and various other group and solo exhibitions in Nairobi.
In his 3rd exhibition with Circle Art Gallery “(Un)contained Turbulence”, Shabu critically examined and explored questions that delve into environmental and socio-cultural issues. Whether through symbolic representation or purely aesthetic expression, he aimed to draw attention to the humanized state that he intended to convey by evoking connection and empathy through his subject matter.
Three main characteristics could be observed within the exhibited collection; Firstly, the artist employed distorted body proportions and simi-representational elements to emphasize the human shared experience. Secondly, he utilizeed an intense color palette that transitions from darker to softer and lighter, and more vibrant shades employing a bold and expressive painting style. Lastly, he incorporated a mosaic-like technique reflecting his extensive experience and rich visual memory.
Furthermore, Shabu's way of space distribution and figure positioning is noteworthy. He skillfully maximizes the scale of his compositions in some paintings, achieving a harmonious balance. In contrast, other works adopt a minimalist approach, employing a limited color palette and simplified forms.
It is evident that Shabu's artworks also reflect his political activism nature. For instance, his painting titled "The Failed Coup ii" depicts two figures in a densely crowded background. Ropes bind one figure in an uncomfortable posture, while the other figure exerts control over them. This composition serves as a commentary on dictatorial governments prevalent in African countries, the belief that actions taken during this highly sensitive political time can give individuals insight into their own identity and how they have been divided culturally and socially.
Faild Coupe by Shabu Mawingi, Credit: Circle Art Gallery
“This exhibition seeks to explore the complex relationships that exist between social influences, globalization, and the relationship we have with our identities and upper invisible hand power. I made an early understanding of world inequality and the lasting bond with the system controlling individual behavior that I took upon myself to uphold these practices” Shabu stated.
The artist also expressed a desire to delve into the intricate connections between social influences, globalization, and the impact on our identities and the invisible power that governs us. Shabu’s acknowledged an early realization of global inequality and the role of the system in shaping individual behavior, leading to a commitment to uphold certain practices.
Furthermore, his work demonstrates a lifelong dedication to challenging societal norms and examining historical biases and prejudices against marginalized groups. This is exemplified in the painting "crippling state," which delves into the rituals associated with structural violence that often go unnoticed. Such themes serve as a common thread throughout the artist's exhibitions, focusing on the core aspects of identity and emotional growth.
Crippling State, Shabu Mwinge. Image Credit: Circle Art Gallery
In conclusion, the exhibition offers a profound exploration of the interplay between societal forces, globalization, and personal identity. It invites viewers to reflect on the invisible powers that shape our behavior and the pervasive inequalities present in the world. The artist's commitment to these themes is evident through a deep-seated dedication to challenging entrenched social norms and shedding light on the often-overlooked experiences of marginalized communities. By examining these complex relationships, the artist not only questions the status quo but also encourages a deeper understanding and dialogue about identity and the broader social context in which we exist.