Artist Talk: Paul Onditi talks about Helter-Skelter

Home can be the friend you have been searching for all your life or the person you met once very briefly. – Ben Okri

Helter – skelter emanates from Paul Onditi’s previous show, Reconstruction of the Tower of Babel. It follows his seminal character, Smokey as he transitions to a new direction.

Helter – skelter is about scattered ideas around humanity, relating to socio-economic and political affairs. Immersed in a variety of landscapes, Smokey is seen contemplating on his future path.

The collection of pieces extract influence from different bodies of work, both past and present. The works are purposely in disharmony to reflect on Onditi’s practice where he uses found film, old prints, caustic acid and polyester plates to examine the human condition.

This is Onditi’s first solo show in Kenya for the year 2015.

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Born in Kenya, Paul Onditi moved to Germany in 2000, where he studied art at the Hochschule für Gestaltung in Offenbach am Main. In 2010 he returned to Nairobi, where he is currently living and practicing.

Onditi was included in Bonhams’ Africa Now auction in London in 2013 and 2014. His work was also featured in the 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair in London in 2015.