Nelson Ijakaa

Nelson Ijakaa, a vibrant Kenyan artist from Nairobi, embarked on his artistic journey after completing his International Baccalaureate at the Aga Khan Academy. His early career was shaped under the mentorship of artist Patrick Mukabi, which laid the foundation for his multidisciplinary approach to art. Ijakaa is driven by the concept rather than the medium, allowing his ideas to manifest through various artistic vehicles.

Initially focusing on oil and acrylic paintings, Ijakaa's artistic exploration expanded significantly during his first residency at the Brush Tu Art Studio in 2017. Here, he ventured into the realms of sculpture and installation, particularly shadow art, effectively blending two-dimensional and three-dimensional art forms. This residency also introduced him to printmaking, leaving a lasting imprint on his subsequent work and overall practice.

Beyond his personal artistic development, Ijakaa is deeply committed to social engagement within the arts. He actively works towards making visual arts more accessible to the youth and broader community in Nairobi, often addressing social justice themes through his work. Through his art and community involvement, Nelson Ijakaa aims to inspire and facilitate dialogue around critical societal issues, embodying the role of an artist as both creator and activist.

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