April Kamunde and Mona Taha present their works at ART X Lagos, on display from 2 to 5 November. Both artists collaborate with Afriart Gallery, present in this fair.

Mona Taha and April Kamunde are emerging artists who have developed their craft through personal experiences and work in the African continent. Their works are deeply autobiographical, navigating through their own and their communities’ experiences. They incorporate a distinct feminist viewpoint into their work, extending beyond issues pertaining to women, and encouraging audiences to engage with broader social inquiries. Their work serves as a vital component of their artistic journey.

April Kamunde, born in Kenya (1988), with a 17-year background as a commissioned portrait artist, made the leap to a full-time artistic career towards the end of 2020. Kamunde predominantly utilizes oil paints to craft artworks that convey deep, personal narratives. Her latest pieces delve into the concept of rest, examining it from both a personal and feminist perspective. These works are fueled by her contemplations on the exhaustion that comes with navigating a swiftly evolving society and the challenges of striving for success in Nairobi, the bustling metropolis she calls home.

Mona Taha, born in Uganda (1988), is a child of an Egyptian father and a Rwandan mother. Entirely self-educated in the arts, she engages with a diverse array of materials such as charcoal, ink, and collage. Her artistic inspiration primarily stems from her own inner reflections and the challenges she faces in her roles as a mother, daughter, and a woman with a Muslim heritage. Consequently, her artworks delve into themes related to gender, womanhood, personal growth, self-realization, and cultural identity.

ART X Lagos, founded in 2016, by Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, is a unique cultural event in West Africa, offering dynamic art experiences beyond traditional fairs.

Source: ART X Lagos.