Bernard Maingi, founder of an arts training centre in Kibera /Joyce Kimani
Each Saturday, kids as young as three years old flock to Bernard Maingi’s art studio located right in the middle of Kibera.
Equipped with curiosity, thrill, and an indomitable spirit, they look back on the lessons from the past weekend.
As the atmosphere buzzes with innovation, they congregate beside easels, crayons, pencils, sheets of paper, and chunks of clay, immersing themselves in vibrant brushstrokes, detailed drawings, and deeply hued mixtures.
In the heart of everything stands a man widely recognized by his artistic alias, Nard, an autodidactic visual artist who has transformed his individual enthusiasm into a potent support system for youth in one of Nairobi’s biggest unplanned residential areas.
Nard thinks that art serves as more than mere self-expression; it is also a powerful agent of change.
“Art serves as the sole means to reshape young individuals and society as a whole. It is my mission to assist emerging artists in honing their talents and provide them with a stage to showcase their expressions,” he stated in an interview with the Star.
In 2018, what began as a modest experiment has grown into a comprehensive community project.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, when educational institutions remained shuttered indefinitely and uncertainty loomed large over the future, Nard introduced his art education program. As kids and their families stayed indoors, an overwhelming feeling of despair settled within the neighborhood.
His greatest fear was that young people would be lured into gangs, or fall prey to drugs and alcohol, something he had witnessed while growing up in Kibera. It was also a deep concern for parents and the entire community in the area.
“So many parents had lost their jobs, and others had loved ones battling the disease, and people were sinking into depression at an alarming rate,” he says.
I believed I could offer them some relief by welcoming their children into my home, keeping them engaged, and teaching them skills that might help provide for themselves someday. We were peddling optimism, and they desperately needed it.
Ever since, Nard has coached over ten groups of trainees, every group comprising at least ten participants. His teaching sessions occur from Monday to Saturday during academic breaks, and also take place on weekends when regular schooling is happening.
Young students delve into an array of artistic expressions encompassing sketching with pencils, painting, sculpting, ceramics, and creating texture-rich artworks through the use of palette knives.
For elder pupils, the sessions frequently extend into late hours, providing sufficient time for them to deeply engage with their respective disciplines.
Although Nard operates the program autonomously, he benefits greatly from the essential backing of the Kibera Art District and the wider community, who have embraced his efforts with open arms.
Students create vibrant murals across Kibera, frequently featuring striking visuals with strong social themes. Whenever gifted youngsters are identified within the community, they often direct these talents to this location.
“Parents walk in and tell me that the children have a certain artistic talent and ask me to help hone it,” he adds.
A pivotal moment during the peak of the pandemic occurred when Nard and his pupils produced Kenya’s inaugural COVID-19 inspired mural. This powerful artwork, laden with messages, rapidly gained traction online and garnered attention from international news organizations. This experience served as a significant awakening for Nard.
“That’s when I realised that art could pay and it can speak volumes. It can move people far beyond our borders.”
Still, the challenges are real.
“Materials and rent are the biggest struggles. Every time I sell a piece, I have to divide the money between my family’s needs and the art space. And we constantly need supplies to keep the classes going, brushes, paint, paper. It all adds up,” Nard admits.
Even though he faced numerous challenges, his influence was evident. Many of his previous students have found jobs at non-governmental organizations, while some are generating income from commissioned artwork. Remarkably, one student has established their own art gallery — clear evidence that innovation can lead to new opportunities.
“I concentrate on young adults since numerous organizations cease their efforts after dealing with children. When these youngsters become older, they find themselves alone,” he clarifies.
I aim to establish an informal educational center: a comprehensive creative haven featuring visual and performance art studios, where musicians and actors can gather to acquire knowledge, develop skills, and excel in their respective fields.
In a location frequently typecast by images of poverty and criminal activity, Nard’s art space offers quite a contrasting scene—a setting brimming with resilience, promise, and metamorphosis.
For each young soul who enters out of wonder and departs with self-assurance, Kibera acquires an additional stroke of optimism.
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