MASK Awards 2018

Entries & winners

ENTRIES & WINNERS

Enrties received: 1,700

Number of schools participated: 32

Countries participated: Kenya (54 different locations), Tanzania, Uganda, Nigeria, South Africa

Number of prizes awarded: 133 (88 winners and 45 commended)

Award Ceremony was attended by 400 people

Prizes totalling 300,000 Ksh (£2,500) are supported by Rivers Foundation (UK), The Nobelity Project (USA), Mabati Roling Mills (Kenya), and Mayfair Inshurance (Kenya). Our special thanks to our judges.

SCHOOL CATEGORY

SHREE CUTCH SATSANG SWAMINARAYAN ACADEMY

SIPILI SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF

FLYING KITES LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

COGRI ART CLUB

G-THAMINI

DELIVERANCE CHURCH CDC

UNDER 15 CATEGORY

ANIDAN CHILDREN

SARA WANJIKU, 9

LUCY MALAU, 12

WAYU OMAR, 12

ANTONY MUSANGI, 10

MARY NJOKI, 13

HALIMA ALI

DARUBINI ARTS & TALENT ACADEMY

DAVID MACHARIA, 12

KELVIN NJENGA, 11

KEVIN MUSYOKI, 8

VICTOR KIARIE, 10

GREENYARD SCHOOL

ANGEL CHEMNGETICH, 9

ROBERT ASIBA, 12

HIGH HOPE ACADEMY

CALEB KAHUTHU KAGIRI, 7

KAYANGA PRIMARY SCHOOL

Children: JESCA, BEATRICE, MARIANA, JUSTIN, DANEL, RICHARD, 12

PRIVATE ART STUDIO OF MARY MURINGI

KATANU KAVILA-KWINGA, 12

MYRAH TEJAS-SHAH, 6

MWANGI MUNGAI, 13

SOHAN CHANDARIA, 12

ACK ST. MARK'S MIKINDANI CDC

GEORGE KOMU, 8

CALEB BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

TENIOLA COKER, 14

MODUPE BELLO, 13

HILLCREST SCHOOL

KIKA NUCIFORA, 9

MAYA MELESI, 12

MARIA IMMACULATA PRI SCHOOL

NICHOLAS MWANGI, 12

IAN MUCHOKI, 14

MATHARE SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

YOSHABEL MUTHONI, 9

IMAR NICOLE, 7

JANET KERUBO, 9

MIRIAM AUMA, 8

CITAM SCHOOL

SHARONROSE MAINA, 12

FAVOUR WAMBUI, 9

SYLVIA JEGAT, 11

OLOSERIAN ACADEMY

CHRISTINE CHERUBO, 11

GLEN NYAMBUGA, 11

LEAH WAMORO, 10

FREDRICK KIKUYU, 10

PCEA EMBULBUL CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER

ELIZABETH WANGUI, 12

CECILIA WANGUI, 11

MWANAKOMBO TALIA, 14

REDSOIL SCHOOL

TEDDY KURIA, 9

PETER MAGON’G, 10

SCHOOL OF THE NATIONS

RICHMOND SESAY, 4

KALYA NDUATI, 8

FORTUNE HOUSE

HOPE WANJIKU, 8

KIMBERLY MUKAMI, 7

TASWIRA ART CLUB

PAUL NGUGI, 5

OPRAH WAMBUI, 9

RUTH WAMBUI, 11

XTREAM MOBILE ART SCHOOL

CELINE KIRABO, 13

KEVINNE MULLICKS, 10

ANGELIN ANTONY, 11

BEST CREATIVITY TEACHER AWARD

Mr JOHN SOLLY SALAVA, Diani Beach, Kenya

Mrs ESTHER MUKUHI, Kiserian, Kenya

BUSINESS LEADER FOR CREATIVITY AWARD

ALAN RIVERS, Rivers Foundation, UK

DR MANU CHANDARIA CBE, Kenya

WILLIAM PIKE, Kenyan newspaper The Star

UNDER 25 CATEGORY

WINNERS

1st, CYNTHIA NGUNJIRI, 23

2nd, STAICE SHITANDA, 20

3rd, LEE GITAHI, 20

EVA CHEMNGOREM, 22

IGNATIUS KOECH, 18

JOAN MUEMA, 21

JOHN OKUMU, 25

MARTIN MUSYOKA, 23

MOLLA GAETANO, 24

MUCHIRA MURAGURI, 23

NELSON IJAKAA, 24

PATRICK MWANGI, 22

PETER KARIUKI, 24

SUHAIL OMAR, 18

TAABU MUNYOKI, 21

COMMENDED

ALLAN KIOKO, 23

BRIAN YAEM, 22

CAROLINE MOCHOGE, 23

CHRISTINE GITAU, 17

COLLINS EKISA, 19, Mukuru Arts

DENZEL KAMAU, 21

DOREEN MUYOKA, 22

FRANK KIBICHO, 22

ISAAC MOKUA, 22

ISAAC MUSYA, 21

ISAAC SHAMIA, 21

JERRY MASHA, 21

JESSY MWANZIA, 22

JOHN CHAMBI, 21, Milambo High School

JOHN NJERU, 23

KASHYAP GOHEL, 25

KEVIN WAMUTHIANI, 22

LUCY MWANGI, 21

MARTIN MUTEGI, 24

MARY NDUKU NATHAN, 21

MELISSA NYAMBOK, 18

MELISSA POLA, 17, Loreto Convent Msongari

NEAL NG’ANG’A KAIRU KAIRU, 23

NEHEMIAH NJOROGE, 24

PATRICK MUTHONI, 22

RAS STENSO, 24, Mukuru Arts

SELINA ONYANDO, 21

SHARON MOTUGUTWA, 20

SHILPI DEB, 23

YONA MUDIBO, 25

ENTREPRENEURIAL IDEAS

WINNERS

1st. KRISTINA ACADEMY

FAITH RIGHO, 13. Jewellery

HIDAYA SAID, 12. A hand bag

HALIMA RIZIKI, 12. A hand bag

SALIM LIBANDO, 13. A bottle-legs chair

JOHN KIMWELI, 14. Fruit Bowel

2nd. JEFFERSON MWANGOLO, 22. Mangoz 2 riches 2.0

3rd. REGINA MWIHAKI, 17, ANNE NJERI, 16. Eco-seedling bag

DANIELLE WIJENJE, 16. Vitalace

CAMILLE OKONG'O, 22. House utilities

MEDINA AKOTH, 23, Soda can craft

KENNETH WANGARI, 24. Making recycled wine glasses

KARL STEINBECK, 6. Subtle Elegance (Fashion Designs)

HIGHLY COMMENDED FASHION & ACCESSORY DESIGNERS

MAGGIE NG’ANG’A, 21. Painted footwear

FAITH KARUIRU, 24. Blue on skin

JAMES MLANDA, 23. Fashion fabric

ANGE MARIE ITUZE, 23. Handmade necklace

MARTIN MUTEGI, 24. Umoja beads

PHILIP IRINGO KISAIH, 21. Beadwork on cloth

POETRY

WINNERS

1st, ALAN GATHIRA

2nd, NICOLE SARO

3rd, JORY HUNGA

COMMENDED

CYNTHIA MUKUHE

ISAAC KIMONDO

WALTER OSUGO

ENOCK WEKESA

KASHYAP GOHEL

SHARON MWENDWA NDEGWA

MUSIC/DANCE/PERFORMANCE

WINNERS

OLIVER MWAKIO MAGANGA, 21

ISAAC MOKUA, 22

MALINDI HIGH SCHOOL

SPECIAL PRAISE

GEORGE KIUNA and DAMARIS WARIRA of OLOSERIAN ACADEMY

TIFFANY MUKUHI KINYUA, 10 of DARUBINI ARTS & TALENT ACADEMY

COMMENDED

EMMANUEL FATAKI, 23

BOBSAMMY MWENDE

PATRICK MWANGI, 22

DANIELLE WIJENJE, 17

TRACYROS WAIRIMU, 19

KASAJJA BYAKIKA, 23

CATALOGUE

ART - under 25

WINNERS

1st PRIZE. Cynthia Ngunjiri, 23. Untitled, Digital Collage

Cynthia Ngunjiri, 23. Untitled, Digital Collage

2nd PRIZE. Staice Shitanda, 20, Melaninart, photo

Staice Shitanda, 20, Melaninart, photo

3rd PRIZE. Lee Gitahi, 20, Untitled, oil

Peter Kariuki, 24, Wedding ceremony, Pen on paper

Martin Musyoka, 23, Perception, mixed

Ignatius Koech, 18, Visual arts, photo

Ignatius Koech, 18, photo

Joan Muema, 21, The Hearth, watercolor

John Okumu , 25, The transparent, pencil

Muchira Muraguri, 23, No complaints, acrylic

Muchira Muraguri, 23, The difference, acrylic

Muchira Muraguri, 23, Untitiled, acrylic

Nelson Ijakaa, 24, Proletariat, print

Patrick Mwangi, 22, Uncomfortable Talks, acrylic

Suhail Omar, 18, Fallen Heroes, photo

Taabu Munyoki, 21, Oblivion, acrylic

Molla Gaetano, 24, Freedom will come, pencil

Eva Chemngorem, 22, Anna Attinga, pencil

COMMENDED

Brian Yaem, 22, Naural feeling, photo

Brian Yaem, 22, A good feeling, photo

Denzel Kamau, 21, GeopSpatial, Digital Art and Photo

Denzel Kamau, 21, Toxic Lust, Digital Art And Photo

Frank Kibicho, 22, African Type, Digital

Isaac Mokua, 22, Childhood memories, photo

Isaac Musya, 21, Tree, Digital painting

Isaac Shamia, 21, Nywele za China, acrylic

Jerry Masha, 21, Eyes of gray, mixed

Jessy Mwanzia, 22, Tranquility, charcoal

John Njeru, 23, Passion 1, Digital Media

Kashyap Gohel, 25, Lamu Bliss, Digital Painting

Kevin Wamuthiani, 22, Hope, mixed

Lucy Mwangi, 21, Joanna the Comic, Digital illustration

Martin Mutegi, 24, Master Rhino, pencil

Mary Nduku Nathan, 21, Good time, mixed

Melissa Nyambok, 18, Frustration, mixed

Neal Ng'ang'a Kairu Kairu, 23, Elizabeth, watercolour

NEHEMIAH NJOROGE, 24, Firewood, photo

Selina Onyando, 21, Friends , photo

Selina Onyando, 21, Transit, photo

Sharon Motugutwa, 20, Breeze, print

Sharon Motugutwa, 20, FeDiFiCio, mixed

Shilpi Deb, 23, Incessant, oil

Yona Mudibo, 25, Ndoto Zetu, oil

Yona Mudibo, 25, Kifo Cha Lwanda, oil

CAROLINE MOCHOGE, 23, GLOWING, photo

Doreen Muyoka, 22, Cerart in nature, ceramics

Allan Kioko, 23, Father nature, watercolour

Patrick Muthoni, 22, Blind to the world, pencil

FILM & VIDEO

OLIVER MWAKIO MAGANGA 21, Take me back, Nairobi

Band of MALINDI HIGH SCHOOL, Malindi

POETRY

MASK Prize 2018 received 140 poems.

1st Prize. Alan Gathira, 18, QUEEN

The strobe lights

Hidden from view of the audience

Swing about in different colours

Lighting up the stage

The beautiful red curtains

Draw open to show the stage

Pulled apart by some secret mechanism

A secret only the stars know

The hanging mic

Drops from the fake sky

Chrome plated and supremely shining

It strikes the eyes of all

The stage rises

From beneath the floor

And upon it

Stands the most beautiful person of all

She captures the hearts of all

And holds them captive in her heart

Where all who watch her

Want to steal back both theirs and hers

She is beauty at its finest

The epitome of spectacularity

The peak of the mountain of finery

One look makes you fall in love

She opens up her powerful lungs to the world

And the sweet voice entrances all

Smooth like butter and soft as a feather

She leaves you begging and pleading for more

When the curtains finally fall

The life of the audience falls with them

For she was their sole lifeline

She was their only majesty

She was their Queen.

2nd Prize. Nicole Saro, 21, MY PRINCE

I thought meeting him was a blessing in disguise

Though he looked nothing like sugar and spice

I was sure I had finally found the one

No more, "Just go be a nun!"

Women my age went green with envy

Wondering how I got lucky

I had bagged me a wealthy chap

From somewhere on the map

It wasn't long before he had a change of heart

That literally tore my dreams apart

My mother needed grandchildren

And there I was losing my man

He said I couldn't replace his late wife

Not even for the love of life

I was a girl that care forgot

I was craving to tie the knot

He said "That is as far as we go"

Never got a bigger blow!

So I close my eyes and hope to die

Because my prince was a frog in a suit and tie

3rd prize. Jory Hunga, 20, ERASE YOUR SOCIAL

it's time to erase your social,

for society's become too mobile,

mindlessly paralysed to our screens,

we're now hooked like addicted fiends,

social media being the new basic need,

we repeatedly scroll & refresh our latest feed,

constantly mining followers & friends,

to share with & obsess over popular trends,

carpe diem being our favourite motto,

we're tirelessly chasing the ultimate photo,

but it's all just a desperate lotto,

a scratch for the most likes & comments,

with no winners nor genuine moments,

and while all this continues to persist,

each profile depicts an oblivious narcissist,

in a prison of their own creation,

blindly seeking some measure of validation,

so in light of this information,

will you make the choice to retreat,

to either log off or delete?

Jory Hunga, 20

COMMENDED IN FASHION & DESIGN

MAGGIE NG’ANG’A, 21, Ruaraka, Nairobi - Painted Footwear,

FAITH KARUIRU, 24, Nairobi, Blue on skin

JAMES MLANDA, 23, Mombasa, Fashion show-fabric

ANGE MARIE ITUZE, 23, Kigali, Handmade necklace

MARTIN MUTEGI, 24, Nairobi. Umoja beads

PHILIP IRINGO KISAIH, 21, Kitengela, Beadwork

ART - schools

SHREE CUTCH SATSANG SWAMINARAYAN ACADEMY

SIPILI SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF

G-THAMINI ORGANISATION

COGRI ART CLUB

FLYING KITES LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

DELIVERANCE CHURCH CDC

INNOVATION - all age categories

Faith Righo, 13, Jewellery, KRISTINA ACADEMY, Diani Beach

Hidaya Said, 12, A hand bag, KRISTINA ACADEMY, Diani Beach

Halima Riziki, 12, A hand bag, KRISTINA ACADEMY, Diani Beach

Salim Libando, 13, A Bottle-legs chair, KRISTINA ACADEMY, Diani Beach

John Kimweli, 14, Fruit bowel, KRISTINA ACADEMY, Diani Beach

Camille Okong'o, 22, House utilities. For these, I cut and used electric cables from worn out electronics: laptop chargers, socket extensions and TV connection cables

MEDINA AKOTH, 23, Kiambu, Recycled soda can craft, painted

KENNETH WANGARI, 24, Ruaka. Recycling glass bottles into wine glasses.

KARL STEINBECK, 6, Nairobi. Subtle Elegance (Fashion Design)

Regina Mwihaki, 17, and Anne Njeri, 16, Nairobi. ECO-SEEDING BAG
We designed an eco-friendly seedling bag out of sisal and banana stalk fiber as we were concerned about the plastic menace in Kenya.

THE VITALACE. Danielle Wijenje, 16, Nairobi

A necklace with a microchip that detects heath signs and connects you to doctors, chemistry or hospital.

MANGOZ 2 RICHES, Jefferson Mwangolo, 22, Nairobi

Problem: 40% of mango harvest goes to waste before reaching market. Solution: mangoes turned into powder. This improves storage. It can be used as an alternative source of sugar, natural flavour and nutritioun

ART - under 15

SARA WANJIKU, 9, ANIDAN CHILDREN, Lamu

LUCY MALAU, 12, ANIDAN CHILDREN, Lamu

WAYU OMAR, 12, ANIDAN CHILDREN, Lamu

ANTONY MUSANGI, 10, ANIDAN CHILDREN, Lamu

MARY NJOKI, 13, ANIDAN CHILDREN, Lamu

HALIMA ALI, ANIDAN CHILDREN, Lamu

DAVID MACHARIA, 12, DARUBINI ARTS & TALENT ACADEMY, KISERIAN

KELVIN NJENGA, 11,DARUBINI ARTS & TALENT ACADEMY, KISERIAN

KEVIN MUSYOKI, 8, DARUBINI ARTS & TALENT ACADEMY, KISERIAN

VICTOR KIARIE, 10, DARUBINI ARTS & TALENT ACADEMY, KISERIAN

ANGEL CHEMNGETICH, 9, GREENYARD SCHOOL, Ngong

ROBERT ASIBA, 12, GREENYARD SCHOOL, Ngong

CALEB KAHUTHU KAGIRI, 7, HIGH HOPE ACADEMY, Ruiru

Jesca, Beatrice, Mariana, Justin, Danel, Richard, 12, KAYANGA PRIMARY SCHOOL, Karagwe, Tanzania

KATANU KAVILA-KWINGA, 12, PRIVATE ART STUDIO OF MARY MURINGI, Nairobi

MYRAH TEJAS-SHAH, 6, PRIVATE ART STUDIO OF MARY MURINGI, Nairobi

MWANGI MUNGAI, 13, PRIVATE ART STUDIO OF MARY MURINGI, Nairobi

SOHAN CHANDARIA, 12, PRIVATE ART STUDIO OF MARY MURINGI, Nairobi

GEORGE KOMU, 8, ACK ST. MARK'S MIKINDANI CDC SCHOOL, Mombasa

MODUPE BELLO, 13, CALEB BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, Lagos State, Nigeria

TENIOLA COKER, 14, CALEB BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, Lagos State, Nigeria

KIKA NUCIFORA, 9, HILLCREST SCHOOL, Nairobi

MAYA MELESI, 12, HILLCREST SCHOOL, Nairobi

NICHOLAS MWANGI, 12,MARIA IMMACULATA PRI SCHOOL, Nairobi

IAN MUCHOKI, 14, MARIA IMMACULATA PRI SCHOOL, Nairobi

YOSHABEL MUTHONI, 9, MATHARE SCHOOL FOR GIRLS, Nairobi

JANET KERUBO, 9, MATHARE SCHOOL FOR GIRLS, Nairobi

SHARONROSE MAINA, 12,CITAM SCHOOL, Nairobi

FAVOUR WAMBUI, 9, CITAM SCHOOL, Nairobi

SYLVIA JEGAT, 11, CITAM SCHOOL, Nairobi

CHRISTINE CHERUBO, 11, OLOSERIAN ACADEMY, Kajiado

GLEN NYAMBUGA, 11, OLOSERIAN ACADEMY, Kajiado

LEAH WAMORO, 10, OLOSERIAN ACADEMY, Kajiado

CECILIA WANGUI, 11, PCEA EMBULBUL CHILD DEV CENTER, Ngong

MWANAKOMBO TALIA, 14, PCEA EMBULBUL CHILD DEV CENTER, Ngong

TEDDY KURIA, 9, REDSOIL SCHOOL, Kiserian

RICHMOND SESAY, 4, SCHOOL OF THE NATIONS, Nairobi

KALYA NDUATI, 8, SCHOOL OF THE NATIONS, Nairobi

HOPE WANJIKU, 8, FORTUNE HOUSE, Nairobi

PAUL NGUGI, 8, TASWIRA ART CLUB, Nairobi

OPRAH WAMBUI, 9,TASWIRA ART CLUB, Nairobi

RUTH WAMBUI, 11, TASWIRA ART CLUB, Nairobi

CELINE KIRABO, 13, XTREAM MOBILE ART SCHOOL, Kampala, Uganda

KEVINNE MULLICKS, 10, Nairobi

ANGELIN ANTONY, 11, Nakuru

MASK Awards ceremony & exhibition

The MASK Awards Ceremony & Exhibition was officially opened on 26 May 2018 at the Michael Joseph Art Center in Nairobi. The exhibition, a celebration of creativity and artistic innovation, was thoughtfully curated by MASK Ambassadors Benson Kinyanjui, Derrick Shitote, John Muthathi, Klilly Kioko, Rahab Karanja, Raymond Mulinge, Sharon Gitau, and Watson Kanui—a collective of emerging talents who brought their distinct vision to life through the exhibition.

The event was graced by prominent figures including Alan Rivers of the Rivers Foundation and Dr. Manu Chandaria MBE of the Chandaria Foundation, whose support continues to be vital in advancing the creative potential of our young creatives. The ceremony was attended by influential media partners such as Citizen TV and The Star, as well as key sponsor Mayfair Insurance.

The evening’s festivities were skillfully hosted by Jeff Koinange, one of Kenya’s most renowned broadcasters, whose presence added to the event’s dynamic energy.

As always, the event was an inspiring celebration of talent, innovation, and the power of friendship. The MASK Awards continues to stand as a testament to the transformative potential of creativity, fostering connections and nurturing the next generation of creative leaders.

Exhibition

2nd Prize in Visual Arts Category winners photographer Staice Shitanda (architect student) with his lovely friend

Exhibiiton

Alan Rivers award the winners in Visual Arts Under 14 y/o Category

Alan Rivers award the winners in School Category

Alan Rivers awards Under 14 Visual Arts Prize to George KOMU, 8

MASK Prize supporters Alan Rivers of Rivers Foundation and Dr Manu Chandaria of Chandaria Foundation

MASK's Patron Africa's legendary journalist Jeff Koinange and the MASK Prize prize-winners

Prize-winners Jessy Mwanzia and Dennis Mutua

Jeff Koinange and Renee Makau of Citizen TV, media sponsor of MASK Prize

2018 MASK Prize sponsors Mayfair Insurance: MD Joshua Chiira, Director Diana Bird, Business Development Team and its Manager Gibson Ndungu

Tom Jalio, Feature Editor of The Star, media sponsor of MASK Prize and Alla Tkachuk, Founder of MASK Prize

The Awards' stage before the ceremony

Prize-winners of Kristina Academy School, came from Diani Beach

MASK's 5-Year Retrospective at Turner Contemporary

Turner Contemporary, a renowned public contemporary art gallery in the UK, hosted MASK's Five-Year Retrospective Exhibition, titled All Art Should Be Social Art, from 11 May to 10 June 2018. The exhibition celebrated MASK’s five-year dedication to fostering creativity among young people, highlighting the transformative power of art to shape the future—not only in Africa but globally.

The show had two distinct elements: a rich collection of artworks and ideas, alongside powerful quotations from the participants themselves. Among the inspiring quotes featured were:

"Art makes us innovative and makes the world a better place." – John Mutahi, 16
"I imagine things and make them reality." – Patrick Mulinge, 14
"Creativity brings change." – Kennedy Kinyua Kimani, 13
"I express my thoughts in pictures." – Claire Njeri Kuria, 17
"I source my inspiration from my surrounding." – Shamia Isaac, 19

This exhibition is a testament to the impact of MASK’s initiatives in empowering youth. Since the launch of MASK Awards (formerly, MASK Prize) in 2013, the initiative has grown rapidly, attracting over 6,500 entries and having exhibited work at prestigious venues such as the Nairobi National Museum (Kenya), Saatchi Gallery (London), and the Library of Congress (Washington, DC).

The retrospective marks MASK’s third year at Turner Contemporary and underscores the organisation’s influence on the Kenyan Ministry of Education’s reform, which has recognised creativity as a core competence in the national school curriculum.

The exhibition's layout at Turner Contemporary

Artworks and artists exhibited:

Benson Kinyanjui, African Market

Betrice Wanza, Nairobi, At Coast

Churchill Ongere, I have Been Looking For You

Eddy Ouma, Flowing Hope

Jaini Hitesh Shah, Mara River Crossing

Michael Odhiambo, Matunda Matamu, Sweet Fruits

Nicole Riziki, Flying From My Worries

Serena Kairu, Painting Sounds

Allan Kiptoo, Untitled

Amani Karisa, Naks

Arnold Kibaara, Colour Pencil on Paper

Bitumu Ngago, A Wedding Ceremony

Cynthia Ngunjiri, Ujamaa

Edwin Wainaina, Scream

Fahima Munene, Save Me

Faith Nyambura, Houses

Hannah Gathon, Fashion

James Maina, Painting Sounds

Jeff Kaguri, Zebra Head

John Karimi, Untitled

Joseph Makau, Swampy

Kennedy Kimani, Market and Beyond

Lee Wanjiru, Tranquility

Louis Nderi, My Greatest Joy is just to see my Daughter Happy

Louis Nderi, Family Tree

Onesmus Okamar, Untitled

Patrick Mwaura, Just Beautiful

Paul Muigai, The Fire Man

Full catalogue of works

Paula Karanja, The ‘Champions League’

Pupils of NPC School, Baby’s Day Out

Sam Mulwa, Mother Earth

Samu Kauli, Protect the Sea

Sidney Wanjiku, Women Power

Steve Wanjau, Untitled

Antony Okari, Freedom from the Cut

Bradly Nyongesa, Nature

Churchill Ongere, Hand

Beryl Juma, Untitled

Chela Bett, Untitled

Clemet Muruthi, My Village

Eddy Ouama, Sunset in Humanity

Elizabeth Wanjiru, Visually Impared Happy Lady

Gitahi Kariuki, Tortoise

Hellen Wanjala, What I Love about my Life

John Njeru, Nairobi Ain’t Easy

Peteros Masinde, Heart and Brain

Ron Lukes, Devine

Shela Foster, Our Home

Ionna, Untitled

Junior Lekerimui, Leafy Impala

Kevogo Yavetsi, Mothers Love

Sofia Mohammed, Dolly

Victor Kariuki, My World

Moses Kamau, Siku Ya Kahwa

Donrobert Kamau, Matasia Ngong Footballer

Moses Kamau, Siku Ya Kahwa

Donrobert Kamau, Matasia Ngong Footballer

Interact with our virtual exhibition: click on images and videos below

This virtual exhibition was developed by MASK and Jie Qiu, a MA Curating & Collection student at Chelsea College of Arts University of the Arts London.

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The Saatchi Gallery

MASK presented ‘Early 21st Century Young African Artists’ exhibition, featuring works by 19 emerging MASK talents, at the world’s prestigious Saatchi Gallery in London from 5 December 2018 to 12 January 2019.

The showcase celebrated creativity as a force for innovation and transformation. These young artists employed diverse artistic styles, techniques, and media to explore themes of identity, culture, and the evolving human condition in Africa. Their work challenged societal norms, questioned the status quo, and reimagined values—offering not just reflections on the present but bold visions for the future.

The exhibition attracted over 90,000 visitors, making a significant impact on the contemporary art scene while reinforcing MASK’s mission to foster creativity and inspire new possibilities through art.

Artists

Joan Muema, 21

Maggie Ng’ang’a, 21

Patrick Mwangi, 22

Lucy Mwangi, 21

Denzel Kamau, 21

Taabu Munyoki, 21

Isaac Musya, 21

Staice Shitanda, 20

Cynthia Ngunjiri, 23

Muchira Muraguri, 23

Isaac Mokua, 22

Alvin Njuguna, 18

Churchill Ongere, 22

Edwin Wainaina, 18

Emmanuel Wandera, 21

Louis Nderi, 25

Paula Karanja, 20

Peter Kariuki, 23

Peteros Masinde, 19

Private View

18 December 2018

The Deputy Mayor of Kensington & Chelsea Councillor Mohamed Bakhtiar and MASK's Chair Dr Lyndsay Bird

Lavinia Galza of ArtLabAfrica Gallery (Kenya), Robert Devereux, Founder of The African Arts Trust, and Nadine Wright, Head of Education at Saatchi Gallery

MASK's Patron Hannah O'Leary, Sotheby's Director and Head of Modern and Contemporary African Art, renowned fashion designer and gallerist Roubi L'Roubi, and Alla Tkachuk

At the reception afterwards: Roubi L'Roubi, Alla Tkachuk, Hannah O'Leary, Oba Nsugbe QC, Vice Chair of The African Center, and Elizabeth Mideva Davies

MASK Awards 2018

ENTRIES & WINNERS

CATALOGUE

ART - under 25

WINNERS

COMMENDED

FILM & VIDEO

POETRY

COMMENDED IN FASHION & DESIGN

ART - schools

INNOVATION - all age categories

ART - under 15

MASK Awards ceremony & exhibition

MASK's 5-Year Retrospective at Turner Contemporary

The Saatchi Gallery

SPONSORS