ARTIST STATEMENT
I am a textile artist deeply inspired by the rich history and traditions of my ancestors. My work for this exhibition is dedicated to the matriarchs of my family, particularly my great grandmother, Nyoteyo, and my grandmother, Jerusha. The first piece documents Nyoteyo’s transition from traditional Kisii cultural identity to a British-influenced one. Baba Nyoteyo, described as a bubbly personality who loved singing and dancing, symbolizes the shift in our family from traditional practices to more ‘presentable’ Western customs, marked by a family photograph where she wore a cotton dress instead of her everyday leather skirt. The second piece honors Baba Jerusha, the pillar of my family, who sacrificed greatly to ensure the education and upliftment of her kin. Although she didn’t finish school herself, raising twenty children, she instilled in us as a clan, the value of education with her mantra, “Simeka Emigati ase ebitabu” – plant bread in books. Through my work, I aim to preserve and reinterpret our dwindling traditional practices. My artist statement, “Uzi hupitia mahali sindano hupitiamo – the thread follows the needle,” reflects my journey. From my early exposure to fabrics in my mother’s fashion boutique, I have developed a desire to understand and recreate the textiles of my ancestors. I explore the textures, shapes, and feelings experienced by our people, using woven textiles to simulate skin, hairdos, and beaded jewelry. My goal is to rebirth forgotten traditions into unconventional but beautiful surfaces, changing the negative tone often associated with these practices. Moraa Nyaribo
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, I now reside in St. Louis, MO, where I continue to immerse myself in the rich traditions of my heritage through textile art. My journey began in my mother’s fashion boutique, where my fascination with fabrics and traditional adornments took root. This early exposure ignited a passion for understanding and recreating the textiles that my ancestors once made and used. I pursued my B.A. in Art and Design, majoring in Fashion and Textiles, at the University of Nairobi, and later earned an M.F.A. in fibers from the Savannah College of Art and Design. These educational experiences not only sharpened my technical abilities but also deepened my appreciation for cultural heritage and its preservation. In my practice, I aim to honor and reinterpret traditional African practices. By exploring textiles, I recreate the textures and forms that were integral to my ancestors’ lives. My work often simulates skin, hairdos, and beaded jewelry, transforming these elements into unique and contemporary textile surfaces. My art has been showcased in various exhibitions, including a solo exhibition at Cedar House Gallery in Savannah, GA, and group exhibitions at The Kranzberg Arts Center and The Red Gate Gallery in St. Louis, MO. Through my work, I seek to breathe new life into forgotten traditions, presenting them in ways that highlight their beauty and cultural significance. Moraa Nyaribo
© Moraa Nyaribo