Solomon Kyalo
My younger years were a time of political tensions with Kenya caught in the grip of an autocratic regime. Growing up in the Eastlands side of Nairobi – a region rich in political history and pop-cultural influence across the country, I witnessed my mother (a new generation of a young, independent nation) becoming deeply involved in politics. As I grew older, I became more immersed in communities that used art as self-expression and activism to bring about social change. I bear witness to that strong influence in my work which transcends mere documentation. It is grounded in the human experience, the simple yet elaborate everyday moments in life, in the natural world, communities, and culture. It is a tool of expression, connection, and meditation.