Wanyu Brush (Kenyan, born 1947)
Christ in the Manger, 1990
signed ‘W. Brush’ (lower right)
watercolour on paper
58.5 x 76cm
Ksh 150,000–180,000
US$ 1,700–2,050
Sold Ksh 223,060
Provenance: Direct from artist
Wanyu Brush is one of the founding fathers of modern East African art, co-founding the Ngecha Art Group with fellow artists such as Sane Wadu. Part of Ruth Shaffner’s stable of artists at Gallery Watatu, he was widely exhibited and collected in the 1980s and 1990s both locally and internationally. He is still active, working from his modest home in Ngecha. Wanyu is best known for his bold, vivid canvases, often depicting scenes of human chaos. This delicate watercolour on paper, painted over 23 years ago, is contrary to his typical style, making it a rare and collectable find.