Growing up I did not appreciate art as much. Maybe it’s because I was not exposed to it at a tender age. I would quickly walk past art in the streets.

However, in my mid 20’s, I am more curious about art. The message in the art, inspiration behind the piece and the gratification it has to offer when hanging on my wall.

This might be the reason I was intrigued when I heard that Nakuru had a new art gallery, since the previous one had been closed down early this year.

Avil Wairimu views art displayed at the Heroe art gallery in Milimani estate, Nakuru city.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

In the quiet of Milimani, sits the magnificent Heroe art center, a space ready to redefine the art space in Nakuru.

As I entered the premises, the artist expression on the mural wowed me, the layer of paint on the project was impeccably done.

This piqued my curiosity on what more the gallery had to offer. As I stepped in the galley hall, the exquisite eagle pencil art resembling a photo captured my attention.

As Edward Brown says, the artist has one function–to affirm and glorify life.

In that moment itself, the variety of art pieces displayed at the art centre gave a magical breath in the room.

One of the founders offered me a tour at the gallery as he explained more on the art displayed.

Musa Kiprono, going by the artistic name Mansamusa says the gallery is a partnership between his three friends who love art and want to redefine its experience to people.

From left: Musa Kiprono , Nebat Korir , Newton Ndue , and Avil Wairimu founders of the Heroe art gallery in Milimani,

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

He notes that Nebat Korir, Newton Ndue, Avil Wairimu and himself work at the center in managerial capacities and double up as the main artist at the gallery. Other than that, they collect art from local artists and display them at the center.

Now a month old, Musa says they have had an art expo that brought people from different places in the country to showcase their art.

“The gallery exists to serve the interest of artists, leverage better pay for their work and allow for people to appreciate art in a serene place. Noting that the space allows one to quench the thirst of good art displayed in a decent place for art enthusiast,” he notes.

Asked how they select the pieces, his counterpart, Newton, says artistic expression cannot be boxed, noting that people tell stories differently and use several artistic styles.

Musa Kiprono alias Mansamusa.2 displaying his art work at the Heroe art centre.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

He notes that the gallery picks art from artists majorly from Nakuru, complemented by artists from other places in the country and showcases them.

“Different art forms are showcased here including, abstract art, expressionism, surrealism, realism art, sculptures, ceramics which bring diversity to art forms that can be consumed in one place in Nakuru. We hope that more people will visit the gallery and experience art done by local artist ,” he says.

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