Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, artist April Kamunde works primarily in oils creating paintings that tell intimate and personal stories. While drawing on autobiographical elements, her work leans into shared experiences and are intended to spark conversation. Her recent body of work explores the idea of rest from a feminist angle. Kamunde responds to feelings of weariness triggered by the pandemic and the challenges of finding success and fulfilment in a rapidly changing world, specifically a fast-paced city like Nairobi:
“I invite the audience to peer into the moments of pause and introspection being experienced by the women featured in the work. I explore what it looks like to choose one’s self, to take up space, to slow down and unburden one’s self in today’s demanding world.”
The Dera (a long Somali dress), features prominently in her series. Designed to fit loosely, the dress signals “me-time” for the women who wear it and the reclamation of their energy. The women similarly appear surrounded by a natural, lush environment and seemingly away from the pressures of societal roles and expectations. Check out more images below. All images courtesy of Afriart Gallery.