Nu Africans a collaboration between artists Maurice Evans and Grace Kisa
Originals and limited Edition Prints
Nu Africans a collaboration between artists Maurice Evans and Grace Kisa
Originals and limited Edition Prints
About Us
Grace Kisa
My sculpture reflects the relationship between myself and the world around us. The materials that I use vary just as greatly. I am compelled by the notion of recycling and repurposing, adapting ordinary things while employing traditional crafting techniques that draw from my Kenyan roots. As a child I was taught by my Mother the arts of knitting sewing and weaving, I have combined those skills with painting, ceramics, and woodworking to create these pieces.
So starting from a pile of odds and ends, including but not limited to discarded household utensils, furniture, musical instruments, etc...I combine them like pieces of a puzzle to develop the initial idea and structure of the piece. My process is improvisational and I am open to how the piece develops.
My process is a combination of problem solving and creative play, and echoes the patchwork quilt of my experiences living in international communities both in the US and abroad.
These elements and many others become the basis for my reinterpretation of the world around us.
By taking what is familiar and making it new, I am attempting to create a narrative that engages history, folklore, myth, social awareness, the idea of timelessness, and the complexity of identity.
Maurice Evans
Because I'm an artist in many different mediums, I try to incorporate as much of my talents as possible. Many of my works contain photography, painting, and construction. With the mixed media work, I often start off with sketches of a concept that I try to translate into photographs. Most of the time the concept revolves around models that I body paint. Once I capture the images I'm happy with, I then come up with a concept for a painting inclusive of the photographs. At this point in the creative process it is important to stay open to the possibilities. This is where as an artist you must get out of your own way. Let the images and your imagination dictate what is going to happen next.
The materials I often use (but not limited to) are wood panels, acrylics, oils, encaustics, pen and ink, paper cut outs, sometimes motorized parts, and models.
Our Inspiration
Nu Africans
The Nu Africans addresses the notion that Africans of
the diaspora through their particular set of circumstances have evolved into their own tribe. I call this tribe the “Nu Africans”. Inspired by the legendary warriors and queens from the African continent, each model was styled and photographed as a warrior and as a queen. Though the inspiration takes its roots from the continent, these women, however, are from this time, this place, and all the experiences that have brought them here.
My intention with this project is to celebrate and honor these women. To highlight their obvious beauty and celebrate their strength. After all, whole civilizations have been built on their backs, society’s refuse has been dumped at their door, and yet they remain standing. This project is a celebration of that fortitude.
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