Nedia Were
b. 1989, Kenya
Were’s artwork functions in response to the discourse surrounding representation of African individuals within the visual arts and in society as a whole. His art challenges the implied and often negative views of media outlets and other sources that affect the way Black individuals view themselves, asking the viewer to potentially see themselves worthy and deserving of the appreciative light that his work puts the subject in. By placing many of the subjects in natural settings, Were adds a simple yet powerful component of joining the figure with the inherent beauty of nature. He has had successful solo shows in South Africa, and the US and participated in group shows in London, Nairobi, Cape Town, Miami and the landmark museum exhibition '4000+ Years of African Art' at the Wall House Museum in St.Barths.