"Reflections of Resilience" was a thematic exploration of endurance, perseverance, and strength in the face of adversity, often mirrored in art exhibitions and creative works. The theme typically embodied how individuals and communities respond to challenges, showcasing the power of art to convey human resilience, healing, and hope. Through various mediums such as acrylics on canvas, sketching, and charcoal art, "Reflections of Resilience" offered an opportunity for artists to share their personal and collective stories, illuminating struggles and triumphs.

Ronny Enos, an emerging artist from Nairobi, is known for his intricate pen-and-paper sketches that blend tonalism with structural realism. His work often explores themes of resilience, portraying not just physical endurance but emotional and psychological strength. Ronny's art captures the delicate balance between fragility and persistence, reflecting the human condition and its capacity to rise above challenges. His ability to translate complex emotions into visually compelling narratives makes him a fitting contributor to exhibitions like "Reflections of Resilience."

Ronny’s structural approach allows him to depict human figures in a way that communicates strength even in vulnerability, often drawing on his experiences in Kenya. His tonal variations create depth and shadow, infusing his works with realism and symbolic meaning. In this context, Ronny’s artistic journey is a testament to resilience—his ability to rise as a self-taught artist while continuously evolving his style and voice. Ronny Enos showed at the Reflections of resilience show.

 The "Ubuntu" exhibition at Ardhi Gallery was a vibrant cultural showcase, centered on the theme of Ubuntu—focusing on the interconnectedness of humanity and the environment. The exhibition aimed to inspire artistic expressions of community, shared existence, and collective resilience. Showcasing a blend of emerging and established talent, the exhibition presented a diverse array of mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, and more. Each piece brought forth unique interpretations of the Ubuntu concept, reflecting its universal values through different cultural and artistic perspectives.

One notable participant was Dennis Otieno, a conceptual artist and freelance photographer based in Nairobi, Kenya. Known for his deep connection to his subjects and his motto, Images That Speak, Dennis excels at capturing moments that provoke thought and emotional engagement. His work often transcends aesthetics, focusing on social impact and raising awareness of critical issues. At the Ubuntu exhibition, Dennis presented his thought-provoking series titled The Last Breathe, a powerful commentary on deforestation. The series highlights the urgent need for space in growing cities, and the environmental consequences of expanding agricultural and industrial territories. Through this body of work, Dennis sought to draw attention to the pressing issue of deforestation and its impact on the natural world. 

 SGA Security CEO and Chairman Jules Delahaije, gave a keynote speach and handed over recycled bags to Mathare talent hub to reaffirm the commitment of the company towards ensuring a clean and safe environment. 

Discover the latest works from both local and international artists at Ardhi Gallery, Nairobi’s newest contemporary art space, which opened in April 2023. In an exciting partnership, Ewart Salins, CEO of Apollo Asset Management, and Joyce Muiruri, Brand Manager of APA Insurance, presented a sponsorship cheque to Christine Oguna, Founder of Ardhi Gallery. This collaboration reinforces the gallery's commitment to promoting diverse artistic expressions, representing emerging, underrepresented, and established talents, all with a shared dedication to advancing the arts.

"The sponsorship aims to increase the community's exposure to art and creativity that reflects the everyday life of Kenyans," said Ewart Salins. Additionally, it will support educational programs for artists, covering key areas such as business planning, marketing, project management, and the importance of insurance for their careers and their clients.

Ardhi Gallery curates regular exhibitions, pop-up events, poetry nights, and discussions around mental health and societal well-being. The gallery also offers art classes for both children and adults, led by its roster of talented artists. Located in the spacious basement of Parallel 4 off Mbagathi Way, the gallery provides a vibrant and inclusive environment for art enthusiasts and creators to explore fresh perspectives.

In this insightful piece, Margaretta waGacheru delved into the pivotal role that Ardhi Gallery plays within Kenya’s emerging art market. She skillfully highlighted the Art Fusion exhibition, which featured remarkable works by artists such as Romeo Nigera from Rwanda, Emanuel Idowu, Nigeria and John Maina, Kenya. As a prominent figure in Kenya's art and cultural scene, Margaretta's journalistic career spanned decades, with contributions to leading publications like Nation Media Group, The Weekly Review, and Kenya Times since the 1990s. Her work often illuminated the lives of Kenyan artists, offering a window into their creative processes and contributions to the broader art world.

Beyond journalism, Margaretta's academic background included a PhD in Sociology from Loyola University Chicago, and she also taught journalism at Kenya Methodist University. Her passion for the Kenyan art landscape was evident in her personal blog, "Margaretta on a Boda Boda," where she documented the ever-changing art scene, including highlighting artists such as Maggie Otieno, a renowned Kenyan sculptor. Margaretta's passing in August 2024 marked the end of an era for Kenyan art journalism, but her spirit will continue to inspire. She was a tireless advocate for artists and art spaces, and her enthusiasm, vigor, and dedication to capturing the essence of Kenyan art will be greatly missed.

Although classical music in Kenya is less prominent compared to traditional or contemporary genres, it has been steadily growing, largely due to the efforts of institutions, festivals, and musicians committed to fostering its development. Its roots trace back to Kenya's colonial era, when European settlers introduced Western classical music. Over time, the genre became part of Kenya’s cultural landscape, with educational institutions playing a key role in its promotion.

Festivals like the Kenya Music Festival, which includes classical music categories, offer young musicians the chance to showcase their talents and engage with wider audiences, helping to elevate the genre within the country.

 Ardhi Gallery had the privilege of hosting the emerging classical music group, Classical Music Kenya, an opera ensemble dedicated to expanding awareness of the classical music scene in Kenya. Patrons of Ardhi Gallery were treated to an exquisite performance, as the group demonstrated their potential to introduce classical music to a broader Kenyan audience and highlight the richness of this genre. The event was a testament to the rising interest and talent within Kenya’s classical music scene.

Ardhi Gallery positions itself as a dynamic hub for a wide range of artistic expressions. With a space spanning approximately 12,000 square feet, the gallery is well-equipped to showcase various forms of creativity, including fashion, dance, painting, and installations. Kenya’s creative industry is flourishing, with an increasing number of youth turning to this sector for much-needed income. Ardhi Gallery plays a pivotal role by offering opportunities to showcase diverse art forms, all while primarily relying on sponsorships and grants to support the growing pool of local talent.

The precarious nature of creative jobs, particularly for young people, has contributed to the global rise in entrepreneurship within creative sectors (OECD, 2018). By providing capacity-building opportunities, motivation, and access to financing, Ardhi Gallery is working to ensure the survival and expansion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the creative sector. Globally, more than 30 million people are employed in the creative industries, which provide more jobs to youth aged 15-29 than any other sector, according to UNESCO (UNESCO, 2015). As Africa faces the challenge of generating jobs for its expanding youth population, the creative industries have the potential to play a crucial role in addressing this pressing need.

Ardhi Gallery aims to create value through the arts by fostering collaborations with governments, foundations, and private institutions. Through these partnerships, the gallery hopes to support the broader creative industry and continue providing a platform for artistic innovation.