Discover Six Decades of Artistic Wonder in “The Presence of Living Things” by Theresa Musoke

Nairobi, Kenya – 22/4/2025 – Circle Art Gallery is honoured to present a landmark retrospective: “The Presence of Living Things (1963–2025)” by renowned East African artist Theresa Musoke. This extraordinary exhibition opens in the presence of the artist on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 6:00 PM, and runs until June 5, 2025.

Celebrating over six decades of artistic excellence, “The Presence of Living Things” offers an expansive view of Musoke’s creative journey—from her early pioneering exhibitions in the 1960s to her most recent, deeply evocative works. A central figure in the story of modern African art, Musoke’s practice is marked by a unique blend of sensitive draughtsmanship and painterly innovation, merging landscape, wildlife, and the spiritual essence of East Africa into breathtaking compositions.

Audiences will be captivated by Musoke’s masterful use of mixed media, where birds dissolve into clouds, antelopes blend with the earth, and trees become one with the sky. Her figurative works, including rare self-portraits, invite viewers into intimate reflections of the artist’s identity and legacy. Alongside her paintings, drawings, and prints, visitors can explore curated newspaper clippings from her personal archive—an intimate glimpse into her lifelong artistic evolution.

Born in 1944, Musoke made history in 1965 as the first Black woman artist in Kenya to hold a solo gallery exhibition. Her influence spans both Kenya and Uganda, not only as a prolific artist but also as an esteemed educator at the University of Nairobi and Kenyatta University. Over the years, she has exhibited at prestigious venues such as the Uganda Museum, Nairobi Gallery, Royal Academy London, and Haus der Kunst, Munich. Her works are held in collections including the Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute and the Sharjah Art Foundation.

Based in Kampala, Musoke remains an active and passionate artist. Her enduring devotion to the natural world and to artistic exploration continues to inspire a new generation of East African artists. For more information, please visit kenyabuzz.com or contact Circle Art Gallery.

Event Details

Theresa Musoke
The Presence of Living Things

Thursday, April 24, 2025
@ Circle Art Gallery

Time: 6:00 PM (with the artist in attendance)

Exhibition runs: April 24 – June 5, 2025

Entry: Free and open to the public