Leah Warii’s paintings are a testament to the depth and strength of womanhood, capturing resilience, transformation, and grace.
Her use of soft yet vivid tones brings life to her subjects, each telling a powerful story.
One of her standout pieces, Weight of Courage, depicts a woman’s neck wrapped in heavy chains, symbolising the relentless burdens women carry.
In contrast, Ballerina portrays a woman moving in harmony with flowing fabric, a gentle reminder of the beauty in letting go.
“This is about the things women must release,” Leah explains. “It’s about unburdening ourselves.”
Held at Ardhi Gallery, The XX Chromosome exhibition opened on International Women’s Day, featuring over 60 works, paintings, sculptures, and photographs, each offering a unique perspective on female experiences.
Leah’s piece, Moko Maya (Gikuyu for These Hands), illustrates two hands carefully moulding a clay pot.
The artwork reflects her personal journey as an artist, her first time exhibiting publicly. Through this series, she pays tribute to female artists and the struggles they face in a field where they remain underrepresented.
She firmly believes that women’s art should command higher prices. “Because of our responsibilities, we don’t have as much time to create as men do,” she says. “We’re told not to be too bold, to limit ourselves, to let our work speak for us—yet it’s already a struggle to get it seen.”
Her collection also includes vibrant floral paintings like Leah’s Lilies and Flowers 2.0, alongside emotional portrayals of animals, as seen in Twice as Deadly and Old Blue.
She primarily uses oil paints for her subjects and acrylics for the background, citing cost as a factor.
Another standout artist, Irene Opondo, merges her expertise in technology with acrylic-on-canvas paintings enhanced by augmented reality.
She starts with a physical painting, digitises it, then animates it using software. When scanned with Arloopa, her paintings come to life with movement and sound.
Her work Awaiting New Adventures features birds resting on a new boat by the shore, symbolising the anticipation of their first voyage.
Through augmented reality, viewers could see moving clouds and hear the waves crash. Inspired by her time at Kikambala Beach, this piece is part of her Serenity by the Sea series.
Another of Irene’s works, Against All Odds, captures a boy perched on a tree, determined to pick a coconut. She focused on his blinking eyes and the gentle rustling of leaves.
“I didn’t want too much movement,” she explains. “I wanted the joy in his smile to take centre stage.”
“I immerse audio and video into the art itself,” she adds. “This allows the audience to experience what I saw, to feel what I felt.”
Mixed-media artist Sonia Asawo, alongside Lydia Mukuhi and Wendy Atieno, showcased Pink Skies, a striking beach scene featuring pink and blue clouds. The upcycled fabric forming the shoreline adds a textured 3D effect.
“The painting represents the calm before the storm,” Sonia shares. “The sun is the light at the end of the tunnel, while the sound of waves—though white noise—remains soothing.”
Minimalist artist Gemini Vaghela presented her Decay series, exploring self-love through charcoal and soft pastels.
Pieces like Loving Myself, I Do Not Believe I Am Enough, and Dear Cupid remind women of their worth. The Canvas, a thought-provoking work on identity, encourages women to embrace their individuality.
The exhibition also features works by Anne Mwiti, Ruth Nyakundi, Joyce Kuria, Martina Petrol, Naom Agwata, Faith Amanda, and Barbara Wanjiku, among others.
The XX Chromosome runs at Ardhi Gallery until March 31, with Irene Opondo promising to bring together female artists for an annual showcase every International Women’s Day.
The exhibition is more than just an art show, it’s a movement, a space where women’s voices are amplified, their stories told, and their artistry celebrated.
