MANJANO 2021 GOES ONLINE

                                                                          Kibera by Adam Masava at Manjano 2020

By Margaretta wa Gacheru (posted 3.3.2021) 

Today, March 5^th, is the big day when the judges have their say over whose artwork we the public will have the opportunity to see at Manjano 2021.

The official launch of this year’s online exhibition will be Saturday, March 20^th. But today, behind closed doors at The GoDown[ms1]  Art Centre’s new digs in Kilimani, is the day of reckoning. The three judges, whose identities remain anonymous until the opening, will get to see the artworks of all 142 artists who submitted a maximum of two paintings or sculptures, installations or videos for consideration by the judges.

It’s been the way the logistics have worked for as long as The GoDown has been involved with Manjano, meaning since 2010. Prior to that time, the annual art exhibition was the work of the Nairobi Provincial government. But ever since the event was spun off to the Art Centre, some significant changes have been made.

                                                       One wall of Kenyan art at Manjano 2020 at Village Market

For instance, since The GoDown took charge, the winning artworks have received substantial cash prizes.

“Unfortunately, due to COVID we have had to cut back on the awards by half this year,” says Priscah Wairimu, Manjano’s program manager. “We thought that news might dampen artists’ desire to get involved with Manjano this year, but it didn’t happen.”

What is different this year from years past is that more established artists submitted works than students. This is the reverse of what normally transpires.

                       Leevans Linyerera's Uhuru Series was tied to win First Prize with Onyis Martin's State of the State.

“We thought this might be due to so many schools being closed so the word didn’t go around as widely among the youth as in years past,” Priscah suggests. In any case, this could mean the judges will have a tougher time narrowing down the winners.

“We never know how many artworks will be in the judges’ final selection. It could be seven or 170,” the manager says.

                                                  Enda Taabu's Oblivion at Manjano 2020 at Village Market

But finally, there will only be six winners who receive cash prizes: three in the established artists’ category and three in the students’. But rather than the elders receiving Sh300,00, Sh150,000 and Sh75,000 respectively, they will get half those amounts, meaning first prize will get Sh150,000, first runner up will get Sh75,000, and the second runner up will get Sh37,500.

And the prizes being awarded in the students’ category will also be reduced. The first prize winner will receive Sh25,000, first runner up will get Sh15,000 and the second runner up will get Sh7,500.

There is little doubt that most artists will be grateful to be rewarded with cash funds, no matter the amount. Those who grumble are those few who haven’t suffered enough during these dreary COVID times when the art market has been slim and visitors who usually prove to be happy art shoppers are home alone, locked-down in their respective lands of origin.

In any case, those artists who participate in this year’s Manjano 21 are likely to receive a wider, even global exposure than those who have been involved in the past. That’s because the whole event will be streamed online via the GoDown’s Facebook page.

‘There will be live streaming on the 20^th when the winners will be announced,” says Priscah. “There will also be advanced filming of all the artworks in the exhibition,” she adds. “These will be available for viewing from the 20^th as well.”

That means that even if your artwork doesn’t win a cash prize, it will still be available for viewing on Facebook, if the judges liked what they saw and included your work in the show as a semi-finalist.

Last year’s Manjano was fortunately up and running at the top floor of Village Market shortly before the coronavirus hit the international news. The show had to shut down before it was officially meant to. Nonetheless, everyone was able to see Onyis Martin’s ‘Car’ that won first prize in the established artist’s category. The public had time to quibble over who they thought should have won, who got overlooked, and who deserved to win hands down.

But since Manjano 2020 had to shut down early on March 24^th, life hasn’t been easy for most Kenyan artists. Many have devoted their COVID times to creating new art. Others have endured financial hardship and some have been challenged mentally and emotionally.

Either way, Manjano 2021, with its usual theme of ‘Nairobi’ should provide the chance to see new creations by a slew of ambitious Kenyan artists who we wish could all be award winners.

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