Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, is a bustling city that is home to more than four million people. But it is also a city that faces many environmental challenges, such as air pollution, water scarcity, deforestation, and urban sprawl. To raise awareness and inspire action, a group of artists have come together to create a series of sculptures that depict humans in spacesuits, as if they were exploring a foreign planet.
The project, called ReWilding Nairobi, is a collaboration between the British Council, the GoDown Arts Centre, and the Nairobi Design Week. The artists involved are Cyrus Kabiru, Osborne Macharia, Kevo Stero, and Dennis Muraguri. They have installed their sculptures in various locations around the city, such as parks, markets, roundabouts, and rooftops. The sculptures are made from recycled materials, such as metal scraps, plastic bottles, and electronic waste.
The idea behind the project is to imagine a future where humans have to adapt to a hostile environment due to climate change and environmental degradation. The spacesuits represent both protection and isolation, as well as curiosity and exploration. The artists hope that their sculptures will spark conversations and actions among the public and policymakers to protect and restore nature in Nairobi and beyond.
ReWilding Nairobi is part of the British Council’s Season for Change, a UK-wide programme of cultural events and activities that celebrate the environment and inspire urgent action on climate change. The project also coincides with the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), which will take place in Glasgow in November 2021.
