Kenyan Artists Protest Non-Kenyan Representation at Venice Biennale Pavilion

Artists from Kenya are expressing their dissatisfaction over the choice of non-Kenyan representatives for the Venice Biennale. The pavilion in 2013 was predominantly filled with Chinese artists, curated by Italians, which left local artists disheartened. Similarly, the 2015 pavilion, overseen by Italian Paola Poponi and curated by Sandro Orlandi Stagl, again highlighted Chinese talent, prompting accusations of misrepresentation. Beatrice Njoroge and Anthony Okello attempted to engage with Kenyan officials, including the Ministry of Sports, Culture and the Arts, but initially faced silence. A social media initiative eventually led to a meeting with Culture Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario, which was criticized as insincere. On April 12, the government pledged a legitimate Kenyan Pavilion for the 2017 Biennale, with local institutions backing the artists' calls to dissociate Kenya's name from the pavilion.