October 1,2 &3 2021 Ongea na Sanaa Express Yourself using Art Abstract Expressionism with Zihan KassamNairobi-based artist Zihan Kassam, a board member of Ubunifu Lamu Intiative, volunteered to teach a class in abstract expressionism to the children of Mararani and interested adult students alike. The idea was to kindle their imagination and learn an art language that can be used to express themselves differently than they are use to. Hosted by Ubunifu’s founder Nyambura Wahu, they worked four days with the students, encouraging them to think and paint out of the box of figurative or realistic art, to understand a new genre and realm that perhaps a few students will gravitate towards and explore further. Through abstract expression, we can communicate our fears and joy, our desires, our feelings. We learned more about the children; equipping them with a creative means to communicate. Zihan is an artist, writer and curator who uses her own artwork to work through personal experience. You may have followed her stories in the Star or Nation newspapers. She worked with the Lamu Art Festival in the past, returning to Shela regularly. Through this project, Kassam aspired to teach children how to translate their thoughts using line, form, colour and movement. Ongea na Sanaa is to raise funds for the upcoming art centre in Mararani village. The upcoming establishment will serve as an education center for disadvantaged youth in the area and a global children’s cultural exchange program.
