Nicholas Mboya

*1992 in Nyando, Kisumu, Kenya

In 2007, serious unrest, ethnic killings and expulsions took place after the parliamentary elections in Kenya. More than 2,000 people died and over 600,000 were displaced from their homes. Even 15 years later, during the 2022 elections, the memory of this national trauma is still very present.

“Between Hope and Dispair” shows the close connection between then and now. The work shows the fine line between citizens’ demands for change, politicians’ struggle for influence and the danger of historical repetition. People queue up to cast their vote, behind them you can see newspaper articles from previous parliamentary elections. There is a feeling of déjà vu, many faces show fear and uncertainty. Past and present merge.

Exhibitions

2024:

– Academy Selection, Gallery Kellermann, Düsseldorf, Germany

2023:

– Frappant, Hamburg, Germany
– Graduate Show, HfbK Hamburg, Germany
– Tangente Vasenthien, Lüchow, Germany

2021-2023:

– Annual exhibitions, HfbK Hamburg, Germany

2022:

– Hiscox Prize Exhibition, HfbK Hamburg, Germany

2021:

– Fluctoplasma Festival Strike, Thalia Theater, Hamburg, Germany
– Museum am Rothenbaum, Markk, Hamburg, Germany

2019:

– Alliance Francaise de Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
– Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria

2018:

– Circle Art Agency, Nairobi, Kenya
– Makerere Art Gallery, Kampala, Uganda
– Retro Africa, Abuja, Nigeria
– Kerry Packer Civil Gallery, Australia

2017:

– Circle Art Agency, Nairobi, Kenya

2016:

– waasanii Kenya Art Fair, Nairobi, Kenya

Awards and scholarships

2023:

– Merit Scholarships for International Students, HFBK Hamburg, Germany

2022:

– FreundesKreis project scholarship, University of Fine Arts Hamburg e.V., Germany

Biography

From 2012 to 2016, Nicholas Mboya studied at the Mwangaza School of Fine Art in Kisumu, Kenya. He has been studying at the University of Fine Arts in Hamburg since 2019.

Works

Unique Artworks

Artworks on Canvas

Artworks on paper

Large Size

Small & Medium Size

Wall Sculptures

Sculptures

Outdoor Objects

Multiples

Graphic Art

News

Publications

Enquiry