Ruth Nyakundi is an internationally recognized Kenyan visual artist whose professional career began in 1990. Discovered as a young talent, her artwork is deeply rooted in heritage, rural African storytelling, and ancestral themes.
Ruth Nyakundi uses art as a continuous journey to express her personal experiences, cultural values, and spiritual identity. Driven by an innate passion that emerged in her childhood, her creative work captures women carrying out daily domestic work, traditional village life, and the enduring guidance of her ancestors.
Growing up in rural Kenya, Nyakundi discovered her artistic urge as a primary school student. She frequently filled entire school exercise books with drawings overnight, which led to mixed reactions from teachers before she realized art was her calling. By age 16, she was actively producing pencil and crayon drawings based on her observations of rural village life.
Her formal artistic training began when she approached Gallery Watatu. Owner Ruth Schaffner directed her to the Dagoretti Corner workshop, where Nyakundi learned foundational techniques: how to prepare canvas surfaces, mix color palettes, and handle materials.
Nyakundi’s artistic development evolved from childhood drawings in primary school notebooks and early crayon sketches to canvas works. While her early paintings focused primarily on scenes of her rural home—such as women fetching water and carrying firewood on their heads—her work expanded to embody ancestral spiritual journeys, legacy, and cultural identity.
Nyakundi’s career took off following her debut at Gallery Watatu in 1990, where her works sold out rapidly. Over the decades, she built her own art studio, established an international presence, and exhibited across key cultural venues in Kenya. She continues to create art while advocating for patience, self-discipline, and business competence among younger artists.
Canvas, paint, pencils, crayons
Canvas surface treatment, custom color mixing, layered drawing
Ruth Nyakundi executes her art by preparing and treating canvases prior to applying paint. Having learned color mixing and canvas preparation at the Dagoretti Corner workshop, she controls every stage of creation. She operates out of her own private studio, where she spends dedicated time focused entirely on painting, blending disciplined artistic execution with personal expression.
In 1990, at age 16, Nyakundi walked into Gallery Watatu with pencil and crayon drawings. Gallery co-owner Ruth Schaffner provided critique, materials, and financial support, then sent her to train at the Dagoretti Corner workshop. This connection launched Nyakundi's professional career, as her refined canvas paintings quickly came into high demand and sold out at the gallery.
Video 01
Ruth Nyakundi - Gallery Watatu. Part 1: How Adama Diawara & Ruth Schaffner Mentored Kenya’s Artists
This is the story of how Adama Diawara and Ruth Schaffner, through Gallery Watatu in Nairobi, opened doors for a generation of Kenyan artists — told through the voice of one of the artists they…
Watch on YouTube →
Owner of Gallery Watatu who mentored Nyakundi, provided art supplies, and sponsored her workshop training.
Co-mentor at Gallery Watatu who influenced Nyakundi's character and professional development.
A record of key exhibitions that have showcased the work, vision and journey of the artist.
