Two Kenyan artists have created an art project in Nairobi’s Kibera Slum to raise awareness around the importance of mental health among young people.
20-year-old Wyclife Oluoch poses in front of James Dundi’s sculptures during a collaborative project entitled ‘Sufuria Moto’. (Photo by Donwilson Odhiambo/Getty Images)
The “Sufuria Moto” project — “hot pot” in Swahili — saw documentary photographer and mental health activist Donwilson Odhiambo capturing powerful scenes of models and dancers posing alongside artworks by James Dundi crafted from recycled cans, cooking pots and other daily objects.
Ruth Awino, a young model, poses by the streets in the Kibera Slum during a collaborative project entitled ‘Sufuria Moto’ initiated by photographer Donwilson Odhiambo and artist James Dundi on August 26, 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya. (Photo by Donwilson Odhiambo/Getty Images)
The models all belong to Tami Youths, a youth organization founded by Odhiambo in 2021.
20-Year-Old Wyclife Oluoch poses between James Dundi’s sculptures during a collaborative project that draws inspiration from the Swahili term for ‘hot pot’. (Photo by Donwilson Odhiambo/Getty Images)
It provides a safe space for young people and artists to explore self-expression and mental health awareness through activities such as after-school classes, football clubs and talks covering topics such as depression, health, sanitation and sexual and gender-based violence.
22-Year-Old Aziza Goko poses next to the backdrop of James Dundi’s sculptures crafted from recycled cooking pots, and other everyday objects. (Photo by Donwilson Odhiambo/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Dundi, a 29-year-old artist, experiments with materials like metals, leather and paint to explore themes including climate change and African culture.
18-year-old William Ochieng, a young model from Kibera poses next to James Dundi’s sculptures during a collaborative project initiated by photographer Donwilson Odhiambo and artist James Dundi on August 26, 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya. (Photo by Donwilson Odhiambo/Getty Images)
The collaborative project brought a vibrant and hopeful outlook to Kibera Slum – Africa’s larges urban slum – inspiring young people to tackle mental health challenges that come with overcoming dire living conditions.
22-year-old Aziza Goko (L), Clinton Chogo (23) and Wyclife Oluoch (20) pose next to James Dundi’s sculptures during a collaborative project. They are from TAMI YOUTHS, a youth-based organization dedicated to fostering knowledge through various arts and mental health initiatives. (Photo by Donwilson Odhiambo/Getty Images)
In recent years, Kibera, home to an estimated one million people, has been home to an expanding artistic movement, especially among the youth, with local residents working together to build a better community through mental health organizations, visual arts programs, music and fashion.
22-Year-Old Aziza Goko poses next to James Dundi’s sculptures during a collaborative project entitled ‘Sufuria Moto’. (Photo by Donwilson Odhiambo/Getty Images)
