Kenyan architect and photographer Mutua Matheka has unveiled ‘Fragments’, his first-ever exhibition that captures Nairobi from a unique perspective.
Through this showcase, Matheka invites viewers to explore the city in a way that goes beyond typical representations. He explains in his blog that the exhibit offers a glimpse into his personal vision of Nairobi, stating, “What I see when I’m up there and how it plays out in my mind’s greatest imaginations of grandeur. Into my little play with what is, and what that can inspire. I want to welcome you to see Nairobi’s fragments, pieces, and puzzles, that you maybe haven’t seen before. In a way you haven’t seen before.”
Held at Junction Mall, the exhibition is a direct result of Matheka’s discovery that Nairobi’s skyscape is rarely captured in photographs. His work highlights the contrasting elements of the city—its moments of tranquility juxtaposed with its raw, chaotic energy.
“Nairobi is a city that can be brutal and kind, ethereal and tragic. The people can wow you with magnanimity and in the same breath, shock you with spite. All of the chaos, all of it is us. Step into my version of the chaos,” Matheka adds.
Unlike a traditional exhibit, Fragments is designed to engage all the senses. It blends still images with sound, music, and video, creating a multi-dimensional experience. Visitors are treated to time-lapse footage of Nairobi, accompanied by the authentic sounds of the city, bringing the visuals to life.
Matheka describes the exhibit as a way to experience Nairobi’s essence: “It’s like standing at the spot where the footage was captured, feeling the rhythm, the pulse, and the energy that makes Nairobi unique.”
