In 2001, Ogonga founded the Nairobi Arts Trust, later linked with the Centre for Contemporary Art of Africa (Luanda, Angola) of which it became the East African satellite. The Nairobi Art Trust / Centre for Contemporary Art of East Africa (CCAEA) was set up to promote contemporary art and create landmark art projects in Kenya and East Africa. The Centre provides artists with a nurturing environment through a broad range of events including symposia, lectures, talks and studio visits.
One of Jimmy Ogonga’s latest projects is entitled “Amnesia,” a series of discussions, workshops and exhibitions developed between 2007 and 2009. “Amnesia” looks at the consequences of the collective cultural memory loss that has affected the African continent and how these translate in contemporary culture and visual arts.
“Amnesia,” hosted at the Goethe Institute, Nairobi, was developed in collaboration with Cameroonian curator Simon Njami and featured, among other artists, IngridMwangiRobertHutter (Kenya, Germany); Andrew Tshabangu and Nelisiwe Xaba (South Africa); Cheick Diallo (Mali); Amal El Kenawy (Egypt); Meschac Gaba (Benin) and Fernando Alvim (Angola).
Some work at www.ingridmwangi.de.
Nice interview at www.africancolours.net.
