Mary Ogembo

I’m a Kenyan visual artist currently based in Nairobi. I have been practicing as a full-time artist since 1998. I have been to many countries around the world, networking with other artists through workshops residencies and exhibitions. This has had an impact on my art practice and artistic growth.

In my practice as a painter, my main theme is ‘the African woman’. Women experience stereotype, prejudice, lack of appreciation and unfair judgement when it comes to opportunities. I paint women in their occasions, fashion, creativity, their physical endowments and everyday activities. I try to bring out the intricate yet relatable mystery we signify. I strive to blend the richness of earth colours, thick oil and acrylic layers of paint that enhances attributes of the woman once complete. I paint from the background to the subject using layers of paint and a palette knife. I use passion as a driving aspect of my work using warm and vibrant colours, depicting prolific richness. In the future I hope to incorporate cool pastel colours. I also do wooden sculptures, mural art and traditional African motifs. My work is widely acknowledged through exhibitions that I have featured in globally and locally. I have earned reputable recognition i...

Bachelor of Fine Arts: NSCAD University

2020-21: International Online Art Exhibition “United Nations-symbol of life, freedom & happiness” By “Inter-Art” Foundation Aiud, Romania
2020: Mask Art-Creativity under Lockdown: UNESCO Beirut & MEADOWS Artists against Covid-19 (Online exhibition)
2020: A solo exhibition at Palm Boutique Garden hotel in Watamu, Kenya
2019: a solo exhibition at The Village Creative, Nairobi
2018: A solo exhibition at GIZ headquarters in Bonn, Germany
2017: A solo exhibition at Kulturbahnof Gerresheim, Dusseldorf, Germany
2016: A joint exhibition at the National Museum of Kenya
2015: A solo exhibition at Michael Joseph Centre, Safaricom House Nairobi.
2015: Flag Installation Exhibition at the black forest in Königsfeld Germany
2014: African Month at the Abu Dhabi Art Hub
2013: An exhibition at Sofa gallery Drunskininkai and Nida in Lithuania
2011: An exhibition of paintings by Eminent Artists from different parts of the world at Rabindranath Tagore Centre, ICCR, Kolkata India
2011: Manjano Exhibition at the Village Market, Conducted by Provincial Office Nairobi together with the GoDown Arts Centre
2010: A group exhibition at the Henry Tayali Gallery in Lusaka Zambia
2008: A group exhibition at the Atelier of Alexandria Egypt
2007: A s...