October 23–November 20, 2021
Steve Turner is pleased to present Mtaani, a solo exhibition by Nairobi-based Dickens Otieno that features new tapestries and sculpture made of woven strips derived from discarded aluminum cans. Inspired by Kenya’s weaving tradition and his mother’s work as a tailor, the sight of goods piled high in Nairobi’s markets, the contrast of urbanization and nature in Nairobi and the patterns of decoration that are ubiquitous in everyday functional objects, Otieno seeks to create objects of cultural significance that combine his respect for labor, skill and history with his desire to draw attention to the overlooked beauty of everyday Kenyan life. Mtaani is a Kiswahili word that means “in the neighborhood” and the works in this exhibition are from, about and for Otieno’s neighborhood.
Dickens Otieno (born 1979, Migori, Kenya, lives Nairobi) has had solo exhibitions at Circle Art Agency, Nairobi (2018 & 2020) and has had works in numerous group exhibitions and art fairs in Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania Nigeria, France and England. Mtaani is Otieno’s debut exhibition in the United States and his first project with Steve Turner, Los Angeles.
Born 1979, Migori, Kenya
Lives and works in Nairobi, Kenya
Solo Exhibitions
2021
Steve Turner, Los Angeles
Circle Art Agency (Cromwell Place, London)
2020
Circle Art Agency, Nairobi
2016
Roots Contemporary, Nairobi
2015
Circle Art Gallery, Nairobi
2014
Emerson Hurumzi Hotel Gallery, Zanzibar, Tazania
2013
Nafasi Art Space, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
2011
The Godown Art Center, Nairobi
Group Exhibitions
2021
I-54 Art Fair, London
2019
AKAA Art Fair, Paris
ArtX Lagos Art Fair
Cape Town Art Fair
2018
Quarry Lab, Nottingham, England
Art Dubai (with Total Art Gallery)
2017
Johannesburg Art Fair
2014
Kenya Art Fair (with The Godown Art Center)
Residencies
2019
Civitella Ranierri Foundation, Perugia, Italy
2018
Tilleard Projects Artist Residency, Lamu, Kenya
2017
Anidan Art Teaching Residency, Lamu, Kenya
2013
Nafasi Art Space, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
