A new series from the South African photographer shines a light on Warembo Wasanii, an art workshop and studio space located in the slum of Korogocho in Nairobi
Thousands of children, artists, and other adults flocked to Mukuru Lunga Lunga to attend the Wajukuu Slum Art Festival over the pre-New Year’s weekend.
Women artists thriving in ‘wasteland’
Friday January 29 2021
At Warembo Wasanii art studio that is made from junk material in Nairobi. PHOTO | MARGARETTA WA GACHERU | NMG
By MARGARETTA WA GACHERU
Summary
Joan Otieno is bold. She is an artist who cannot be held back from pursuing her work, however many obstacles she faces. And there have been many.
There is the stepfather who insisted she become an accountant despite her doing art from primary school through secondary.
There is her decision to be a housemaid in Nairobi instead of attending university because her sole goal was to practise art.
Then when she found Dust Depo Art Centre, she violated a rule that compelled artists to leave the studio by dusk. That got her the boot.