Artist Profile

Jony Waite is not only one of the most prolific and prized artists of East Africa, but she was also one of the first to breathe life into the nascent Kenyan art scene of the 1960s. Waite was born in California, but has lived Kenya since 1963. During her early years in East Africa, she discovered that there was nowhere for artists to exhibit paintings. Yearning for a space where artists could share their work, Waite and two friends co-founded Gallery Watatu in 1968. Waite ran Gallery Watatu until Ruth Shaffner took over in 1984, after which she turned to other projects, including the creation of Wildebeeste Workshops and the Mkonokono Women's Group. Yet, always an artist at the core, throughout all of these endeavors Waite has remained centered on creation. Her murals and copper etchings bring movement to the walls of international galleries and hotels, including Nairobi’s Hilton, New Stanley and Serena, just as she has—and continues to—cultivate movement in the East African art scene.

Artists Portfolio

Gallery Watatu Ltd
Standard Street, Lonrho House, Ground Floor
P.O. Box 41855
Nairobi, Kenya.
Tel: +254(0)738501838