INTRODUCTION

The Africa Cultural Gallery and Kumbu Kumbu Gallery were both started in the 60's by Shiraz Kanji. He is the pioneering engine behind the genesis of the art of today. His wisdom lead many artists from the realm of production art to individual, self exploratory and by no means the least, fine african art.

His intervention in the field of art has paved the way for many of today's leading artists. In the 60's, the world of art in East Africa was governed largely by market need and limit of skill. The artists of the 60's succumbed to produce utility items and decorative pieces called 'curios' for the early hunters and tourists. You will still see the existence of this formula work today throughout Africa. Shiraz saw the skill that the artists possessed and realized that he could be of help. He embarked on what was a mission to free the artist from this monotony which robbed the artists of creative freedoms. His approach was not orthodox and employed a more grass roots approach. After 30 years, these are the fruits of his and the artists labour of love.

Africa Cultural Gallery was created on the idea that the artists would house their work under one roof but with a common interest or goal; to keep their traditions and cultures alive. Shiraz had a vision of the Kenya of tomorrow, a Kenya in which westernization would erode our very traditions from the cities of east Africa. He was right, today the only place where one can see the traditions of the past are the galleries, museums and rural areas of east Africa. It's design is based on the natural earth tones that is present in natural Africa. The use of browns, natural earth and white bring out the true flavour of Africa. Spacious and host to about 25 artists with just over 400 pieces on display; each one an original work of art.

Kumbu Kumbu was created when the Nairobi Hilton first opened in 1969. It too was built on the same need to house a melange of works by east african artists for preservation. It is today one of the oldest original galleries left in Kenya. Kumbu Kumbu is designed with space and architectural design in mind. The original Kumbu Kumbu was small and so was acquired the adjoining shop. The design of Kumbu Kumbu was based on the same use of color and natural space. If you look at the logo, you will notice the second Kumbu to be a reflection of the first.

The reason behind this comes from the importance in the meaning of Kumbu Kumbu. Kumbu means to remember or chronicle in Swahili. As a result, the second shop was designed as a reflection of the first. Implying that to remember is to reflect. Many instances have been noted where the eye is deceived by this relation as every detail on the opposing side is a reverse of the first. Kumbu Kumbu is the largest gallery of the two and is host to 30 artists with just under 500 pieces for your viewing. The upstairs contains some of the most exquisite pieces to ever come out of Africa, come in and enrich your mind.

Please write us and let us know of what we can do for you. If you are planning to come to Kenya or have an interest in the art of the region, whatever your question, we would be glad to answer or assist you. Click here to contact us.

Africa Cultural Gallery (acg)
'offers works by some of East Africa's finest artists. They are expensive,... but they are authentic!'
THE NEW YORK TIMES SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1984