Joseph Bertiers (Kenyan, born 1963)
International Leaders Dialogue, 2014
Signed ‘Bertiers’ (lower left)
Oil on canvas
138 x 87cm
Ksh 500,000-650,000
US$ 5,700-7,400
Sold Ksh 587,000
Provenance: direct from the artist
Bertiers began his career as a sign writer. He is very concerned with social, political and economic issues in Kenya and abroad. His detailed paintings and life-size sculptures of celebrities, national and global events are characterised by a sharp wit and humour. His interest in news, both local and international, is a source of inspiration in his work, both serious and absurd.
In 2006, Bertiers was selected to participate in Dak’Art, solo exhibitions include Fred’s Gallery, London 2011, and group exhibitions include, ‘ARS, Africa in Kuovola’, Kuovola Museum, Finland, 2012, Tampere Art Museum, Finland, 2008, Kunstarev Gallery, Norway, 2008 and ‘Africa Now’ organised by Thorup Art, Denmark, 2008-9. He is in many important local and international private and corporate collections including the Jean Pigozzi collection of African art.
In ‘International Leaders Dialogue’ Bertiers tell us that he “depicts global leaders and influential personalities who chose to meet in Kenya because it is the hub of Africa. They are all in negotiation with each other, trying to change the world.”