Sharon Gekonge

I aim to decentralize the human experience and ego by introducing an objective perspective to the human condition, using animals; the penguin in particular as a way to humorously illustrate the fundamental traits of human nature. I question the relationship between humans and animals; our shared behavioral patterns and experiences. My subjects lend themselves to the bodies of humans merging and juxtaposing these two worlds.

By doing so, I explore the question of how we perceive ourselves in relation to both the human and non-human world and whether we cross these boundaries. Through my work I am highlighting the limitations of human perception and inviting people to consider other ways of viewing the world. In this sense, I am trying to provoke a shift in thinking encouraging the audience to become more aware of their place within the natural world.

n 2021, Sharon graduated with an Interior Design degree from the University of Nairobi. While at university, she took portrait commissions and, being inspired by charcoal drawing, fine-tuned her skills in this medium to the point of hyperrealism. During the pandemic period of isolation, looking inwards and ‘uncovering her truths’, she began exploring climate and wildlife conservation in her art. Her artistic skills enabled her to work with organizations such as the National Geographic and Basecamp Explorer, Norway.
She later transitioned to acrylic painting which allowed her to express various philosophies better. Sharon is currently based at the Kuona Arts Centre where she continuously experiments with new media to advance her practice.

Dec 7 - 22, 2024. Musing in Colour. Tewasart Gallery, Kobo Trust Foundation, Nairobi, Kenya.

Nov 30 - ongoing. Don't Be a Square. AKKA Project, Venice, Italy.

Sept 27, 2024. Migration and Memory (Christie´s Lates : Voices of Black Artistry) Christie´s, London, UK

Sept 24 - 29, 2024. Feast of Art : East African Masters 1960 -2024. Impresario -Osei G Kofi, Nairobi Kenya.

2 - 15 May 2024. 16th Affordable Art Show, Nairobi National Museum, Kenya.

April 1 - current. Vivid Voices: Unveiling Emerging Women Artists in Africa, MASK Art Gallery

December 8 2023. Inaugural London Exhibition of Contemporary Kenyan Art The Lancaster House, London, UK.

Nov 28 - Dec 7 2023. Emerging Kenyan Artists: Visions and Possibilities, Bermondsey Project Space, London, UK.

June 17 - August 17,2023. TORRENTS, Nafasi Art Space, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

March 31 – April 8 2023. Art Affair ‘23, One - off Contemporary Gallery, Nairobi, Kenya.

November 2022 – current. Art in the Wild, Spirit of the Maasai Mara, Kenya.

October 14, 2022. Early 21st Century Young African Artists, MASK Art gallery, Nairobi, Kenya

May 18 -25, 2022. Landscapes: Country and Urban, Brouhaha Art Gallery, Virtual exhibition.

March 11- 13, 2022. Art Affair ‘22, One - Off Con...