"The World Through My Eyes," An International Young Artist Online Expo

On Saturday, September 28th, Join Us for an Online Art Expo Featuring Young Artists from Kibera Slums/Nairobi in Kenya, Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda, and the United States

Come Celebrate & Elevate the Perspective of Young Artists from Kibera Slums, Nairobi (Kenya), Nakivale Refugee Settlement (Uganda) and Lowell Massachusetts (USA)!

On Saturday, September 28th, 12 noon EST (7 pm Kampala/Nairobi), an international and cross-cultural collaborative presents a Young Artist Online Art Expo. The theme is “The World Through My Eyes.” Participating artists come from:

• Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda - 10 artists

• Kibera Slums, Nairobi, Kenya - 3 artists

• Lowell, MA - 3 artists

Scroll down for our list of participating artists and even further for their pictures and bios.

This event is now FREE! We want to pack the Zoom Room!

ZOOM LINK: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5655167416

However, if you would like to donate, you can donate to the Ko-Fi page that I set up for the event (and that I manage). 100% of ticket proceeds will be shared equally to purchase paints, materials and other supplies between the Kibera and Nakivale arts organizations that are sponsoring the artists’ participation:

• Future Within CBO, Kibera Slums, Kenya

• Nakivale Young Talent Community, Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda

The event will be online via Zoom. The formal program is two hours long. We’ll leave the Zoom room open for a post-event reception and discussion.

Event sponsors: RainMaker Design, The Creative Convergence, Future Within CBO, Nakivale Young Talent Community, Stand Up For Justice, Supporting Dreams Project, GoGreen Social Initiative, Refuge Art School, and

Ubuntu

International.

Young Artist Presenters

• Wesley Otieno (Wex), Future Within CBO, Kibera Slums, Nairobi, Kenya

• Danny Seskar (Scar), Future Within CBO, Kibera Slums, Nairobi, Kenya

• Christine Okech, Kibera Slums, Nairobi, Kenya

• Maritza Flores, Refuge Art School, Lowell, MA

• Nophea Vicheth, Refuge Art School, Lowell, MA

• Daryan Kong, Refuge Art School, Lowell, MA

• Krehim Sharon, NYTC, Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda

• Mansur Kabera, NYTC, Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda

• Nathalic Sindano, NYTC, Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda

• Esther Tharhous, NYTC, Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda

• Joshua Casinga Ashuza (Josby), NYTC, Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda

• Manasse Katuruba, NYTC, Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda

• Sellemani Williams, NYTC, Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda

• Javan Musafiri, NYTC, Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda

• Marjolaine Furaja, NYTC, Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda

• Joz Josvas, NYTC, Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda

Event Video with Artist Profile Compilation

Artists from Future Within CBO in Kibera Slums, Nairobi, Kenya

Wesley Otieno (“Wex”), Age 21

Wesley Otieno (aka Wex, artistic name) is a 21-year old visual and digital art artist who lives in Kibera Slums in Nairobi, Kenya.

In his own words: I started drawing when I was young, but took art serious when I was at high school. I mostly draw from observation, from feelings. I use art to express moods, feelings, emotions or even making stories.

I am specialized in doing cubism art and abstract art that helps me pass messages to people and also to express my feelings. Besides cubism art and abstract, I also do other types of art like landscapes, portraits using different mediums like charcoal, paints (oil or acrylic and water colours), pencils, pens and pastel (soft, oil).

When I finished high school, I already knew how to draw and also came up with my own art ideas concerning cubism art and abstract art. Apart from being an artist, I am also an art teacher who helps kids from Kibera with Future Within CBO to nurture and grow their talents in making art.

My experience with the kids has been good because the kids are improving on their skills. My vision is to teach, help and nature more young artist in Kibera Slums to grow in art and gain more experience about art.

Danny Seskar, (“Scar”), Age 19

Scafel Ochieng, aka Danny Seskar (“Scar” artistic name) is a 19-year old visual artist living in Kibera Slums, Nairobi, Kenya.

In his own words: I started art 5 years ago. I love doing surrealism. It is my way of expressing myself. I also enjoy teaching the kids at Future Within CBO, sharing with them what I know.

Living in Kibera is a challenge because once you are successful you start thinking about ways of getting quick money and that gets you to make decisions like starting to do drugs or stealing. In Kibera, if you start stealing that will be the end of your life.

The challenge I encountered was finding a place to practice my artistic dreams, because living in Kibera there are not a lot of opportunities and that's the reason why I want the best for the kids that I teach at Future Within. I want them to have the opportunity I struggled so hard to get. I also want the kids to be busy so they won't have any time to think about drugs and crime.

I am grateful for having something to do because I don’t know where I would have ended up.

Congratulations Danny on the sale of your art! (Painting at left was sold recently).

Christine Achien Okech, Age 22

Christine Achien Okech, is a 22-year old visual artist living in Kibera Slums, Nairobi, Kenya.

In her own words: I am a passionate artist with a vibrant soul, creating stunning Afrocentric art that celebrates the rich tapestry of culture, history and beauty. Infusing bold colors and powerful imagery , my work captures the essence of the African diaspora with every stroke. It is a reflection of the vibrant colors, patterns and traditions which have shaped our identity.

My artistic journey began three years ago and since then, I have honed my craft by constantly exploring new techniques and pushing the boundaries of creativity. Through my art, I aim to not only showcase the beauty of Afrocentric designs, but also to inspire others to embrace their cultural heritage and express themselves through creativity. It is my hope that my art serves as a source of empowerment, representation and unity for all who encounter it.

I have journeyed through breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes of a largely male dominated field. I paint a world where women’s voices are heard and creativity knows no bounds.

Embracing heritage and creativity, I invite you to experience the richness of my artistry and the feel of my soul on canvas.

Artists from Nakivale Young Talent Community, Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda

Sharon is a 20-year old Congolese refugee artist. To read more about Sharon’s art journey, visit this RainMakers & ChangeMakers article about him.

Mansur is a 18-year old Congolese refugee artist. To read more about Mansur’s art journey, visit this RainMakers & ChangeMakers article about him.

Nathalic (sometimes Nathali!) is a 18-year old Congolese refugee artist. To read more about Nathalic’s art journey, visit this RainMakers & ChangeMakers article about her.

Meet Nathali Sindano, an 18-year old Congolese refugee who came to Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda with 12 members of her extended family in 2018. She has been a facilitator at the Nakivale Young Talent Community since 2023.

I like teaching young children because I know that I am teaching the leader of tomorrow and making the world full of love and unity because that is what I want for the world.

She is an aspiring professional artist. “I am a free artist, I draw according to what I am passing through and my community.

Her preferred medium is acrylic paint although she also uses graphite and colored pencil. When she is not painting and teaching, she is singing  

When I’m engaged in creativity, I feel like I am in another world full of love and inspiration.

In her nuclear family of 6 she is the only artist. She has been drawing and painting for 5 years. “I have hope, even though things are not going like the way I expected and sometimes I feel like giving up. When I look at my family and the goals I have I feel strong again and thus I continue working hard.” 

If I could do anything in the world it would be to help orphans, supporting them in different ways like providing for their basic needs such as education and food. 

Profile to come!

Josby is a 15-year old Congolese refugee artist. To read more about Josby’s art journey, visit this RainMakers & ChangeMakers article about him.

Manasse is a 14-year old Congolese refugee artist. To read more about Manasse’s art journey, visit this RainMakers & ChangeMakers article about him.

Profile to come!

Javan is a 18-year old Congolese refugee artist. To read more about Javan’s art journey, visit this RainMakers & ChangeMakers article about him.

Marjolaine is a 17-year old Congolese refugee artist. To read more about Marjolaine’s art journey, visit this RainMakers & ChangeMakers article about her.

Profile to come!

Artists from Refuge Art School, Lowell, MA, USA

Maritza Flores is a 21-year-old refugee Mexican-American artist who has lived in Lowell since 2016. She specializes in mixed media, blending painting, drawing, ceramics, and fabrics to craft expressive narratives. Her work is driven by a desire to heal from cultural trauma and to inspire others to create. In addition to her cultural influences, Maritza finds inspiration in everyday life, politics, and societal issues such as misogyny and sexism.

Nophea Vicheth is an 18-year old artist from Lowell, MA based in Boston, MA currently pursuing further education in fine arts with a focus on artistic activism. Driven by a deep passion for empathy, compassion, and communication, Nophea's work aims to inspire these values through creative expression. Constantly exploring various forms of art, Nophea engages in art direction, tattoo design, henna, and live painting, always seeking new ways to connect with others through visual storytelling.

Daryan Kong (AKA Nayrasix) is a 21-year old Cambodian-American artist from Lowell, Massachusetts, who has spent the past few years honing her painting skills. Her art draws inspiration from her background, childhood, and interests in internet culture and music, reflecting her personal experiences and emotions. While painting is her primary focus, Daryan also enjoys creating public art, contributing to installations, and participating in mural projects. As a free spirit, she encourages others to embrace their creativity and let go.

Thank you for supporting emerging young artists!