LEEVANS LINYERERA STOCKROOM
“Art is me living authentically”, says Leevans Linyerera, a self-taught artist from Nairobi Kenya. The 33-year-old individual dedicates his passion for art to his late mother who has been his greatest role model since childhood. From her fashion illustrations to sewing and knitting, his mother has made a significant mark on his journey.
Leevans has always been intrigued by art, ever since his early school days which further encouraged him to pursue a Fine Arts course from GoDown Arts Centre in Kenya, under the guidance of the talented Kenyan artist, Patrick Mukabi. Leevans’ art pieces depict different forms of freedom – freedom to express oneself, freedom to experiment, freedom to fail and to succeed without having an impact on your overall purpose, freedom to move about and indulge the curiosity within.
“I try to let the art create itself by letting go of as much control as possible”, says Leevans. He pays great attention in conceptualization of his art, dedicating more time in determining the subject he wishes to voice, followed by choosing the perfect medium and materials. While creating, he prefers producing his creative vision without putting unnecessary thoughts on how it may turn out.
This piece, titled ‘Synchronism in Perpetuity’, explores ‘Identity’ as a theme. He conveys how ‘Identity’ is not only the means of knowing someone or something, but also owning who you are without judging yourself. We continuously strive in finding our position in the world, Leevans’ adds that is crucial to accept ourselves as the notable and important occupant of the place, confidently and unapologetically.
This work voices these expressions largely through the use of colorful lines, by painting between borders formed by the masking tape stuck on the canvas. Leevans has used darker colors in the background and lighter ones in the foreground, creating a profound depth so as to convey its underlying concept.
He says, ‘These lines are meant to represent societal social stratification; the most visible coloured lines in the foreground represent the most visible classes of our society, the political class and the least visible lines in the background for the lower classes.