Githinji Wambire’s West Oakland Studio Part 1
As one of the creative artists and culture workers in West Oakland I’m often times on Pine Street in deep west Oakland talking and interacting with the artists, writers and musicians there. Just last week I stopped in to pay a visit to painter Githinji WaMbire at his 1018 Pine street studio. Githinji is a Kenyan artist working in Oakland. I came to “chop it up” with him and get some healing vibe from his sanctuary. It didn’t take me long to realize that this space is also a stage that Githinji uses to perform the ritual theater of his creative juju. Sometimes painting by a single candlelight surrounded by elekes (symbolic beads) for Orishas, the African spirits, he takes the materials of the neighborhood and reconfigures them into the shape of the African continent. Each one as multilayered, complex and idiosyncratic as the continent it represents.
Githinji in his West Oakland Studio Photo by Deterville
I can recall a panel discussion that I attended in New York where artist/cinematographer/film theorist Arthur Jafa discussed how African artists use the power of objects that have been used and contain what the Yoruba of Nigeria call “ashe” (inherent life force) that is evidenced by the patina of utilitarian objects. Githiji’s work accesses this ashe because he uses the slats, wood and debris that comes from buildings and old houses in the west Oakland neighborhood that is home to his studio. The house that is home to his studio was dubbed “Cornelia Belle’s Black Bottom Gallery” a few years ago. It was named after the old black woman that lived in the house for many years. I was part of the five person collective that showed work there about a year ago and I’ve watched it transform into different types of cultural spaces ranging from café to gallery and now studio.
Here are a just a few images of Githinji Wambire’s studio. Look for an interview with Githinji in my next series of posts.
Two small Africa painting/sculptures with one drawing
Beads for African spirits (elekes)
Githinji Sometimes paints by candle light.
Detail of an Africa painting dedicated to Ancestors
This piece shows the faces and names of Pan African freedom fighters such as Jomo Kenyatta and Dedan Kimathi amongst others.
Studio wall working Drawings
Githinji Wambire
Comments (7)
-
Ms. Mercer says:
May 23, 2020 at 11:12 am
-
Melody says:
November 11, 2017 at 1:03 pm
-
Kaida says:
May 11, 2010 at 12:32 am
-
Shah says:
December 1, 2009 at 11:23 am
-
CATHERINE MBIRE says:
November 17, 2009 at 9:24 pm
-
Nancy says:
November 15, 2009 at 6:03 pm
-
Cedar Sigo says:
November 15, 2009 at 12:46 pm
See all responses (7)I love your art of course. It’s Ms Mercer the Art Teacher at NOCCS. I just wanted you to know that we are having a summer virtual camp and it is focused around Oakland. We will be studying you and your art. Not only are you an Oakland Artist but you’re are a NOCCS family member. If you had time this summer could you jump on a zoom and just say something to the kids? My email is Ms.MercerTeaches@gmail.com thank you!!! Your art is so amazing.
Hi! I met you in Santa Fe, New Mexico in ‘95. It’s great to see you’re still creating amazing paintings. Much love, peace be with you!
Melody Sunshine
Hey you love your work and those beads look good.
Beloved G, Looking good Star!
What a blessing and honor to have graced the presence of a master artist such as yourself. Your creativity continues to Soar. I must purchase my personalized Afrika,but I am still rocking my Afrikan Queen teeshirt.
We are glad to have you in Oakland, however I AM still holding the VISION of you visiting family in AFRIKA in 2010. In the Light of Abundance!
As your Sister am so proud of your Work especially the Africa Maps which shows the whole World that you are proud of your African brothers and sisters. God be with you and have a nice Thanksgiving Day on 27th November as we are having our family Thanksgiving on 28th November.
I am and have been very impressed by Githinji’s work. Thank you for shining a light on this local artist.
A nice post. I love the debris of the surrounding houses being integral to the work being made. gorgeous photographs!