Edward Njenga Sold at Auction Prices

b. 1922 -

Although trained in the art of clay work by his potter-mother from a young age, Njenga didn’t begin making his own sculptures until the 1960s. Many of his unique works recall scenes from his time held in detention camps, fixed in his memory as he was not allowed to write or sketch. Others, such as Asian Stone Mason serve as visual memoirs of everyday life in Nairobi.

From 1962 Njenga’s works have been exhibited to great acclaim in Nairobi: his first exhibition at the New Stanley Hotel sold out, and in 1970 an exhibition of Njenga’s sculptures was opened by Charles Njonjo at Gallery Africa. Njenga received a scholarship to study Art at the University of Hanover in Germany from 1971–73. On his return to Nairobi, his exhibition at the National Museums of Kenya was aired on German television.

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      • Edward Njenga (Kenyan, 1922 - 2022) , Pot, 1972
        Nov. 08, 2022

        Edward Njenga (Kenyan, 1922 - 2022) , Pot, 1972

        Est: KSh250,000 - KSh400,000

        Edward Njenga is one of Kenya’s most revered sculptors with a career spanning almost six decades. Since 1962, when he made this small sculpture, believed by his family to be his first ever, Njenga has captured in clay scenes from everyday life in Kenya, as well as stories witnessed in his work as a social worker. His sculptures, which have documented the social circumstances of Nairobi’s inhabitants throughout the post-independence period, are a prized component of Kenyan cultural heritage. The fourth of seven children, Njenga was the only one to assist his mother who was a potter (like her mother before). Whilst he didn’t pursue a career in pottery, the techniques the young Njenga learned from her formed the foundation for his future as a sculptor. Njenga began his sculpting career in 1962, whilst working as a social worker in Nairobi. He had his first exhibition of nine pieces at the New Stanley Hotel gallery, followed by a show at Paa Ya Paa Gallery in 1968 at the invitation of fellow artist, Elimo Njau. In 1970, Njenga held an exhibition at Gallery Africa which was opened by Attorney General Charles Njonjo and was a great success, earning him a scholarship to study in Germany at Hanover University from 1971 – 73. On his return to Nairobi, his exhibition at the National Museums of Kenya was aired on German television. Exhibitions in the USA followed in the 1970s, in Washington and New York. A major retrospective of Njenga’s sculptures, featuring over 200 pieces, was held at the National Museum in Nairobi in 2014, and Telling It in Clay, a biography by Lynnette Kariuki, was published in 2015. Njenga’s works feature in many important private and public collections worldwide.

        Art Auction East Africa
      • Edward Njenga (Kenyan, 1922 - 2022) , Seated Boy, 1962
        Nov. 08, 2022

        Edward Njenga (Kenyan, 1922 - 2022) , Seated Boy, 1962

        Est: KSh300,000 - KSh600,000

        Edward Njenga is one of Kenya’s most revered sculptors with a career spanning almost six decades. Since 1962, when he made this small sculpture, believed by his family to be his first ever, Njenga has captured in clay scenes from everyday life in Kenya, as well as stories witnessed in his work as a social worker. His sculptures, which have documented the social circumstances of Nairobi’s inhabitants throughout the post-independence period, are a prized component of Kenyan cultural heritage. The fourth of seven children, Njenga was the only one to assist his mother who was a potter (like her mother before). Whilst he didn’t pursue a career in pottery, the techniques the young Njenga learned from her formed the foundation for his future as a sculptor. Njenga began his sculpting career in 1962, whilst working as a social worker in Nairobi. He had his first exhibition of nine pieces at the New Stanley Hotel gallery, followed by a show at Paa Ya Paa Gallery in 1968 at the invitation of fellow artist, Elimo Njau. In 1970, Njenga held an exhibition at Gallery Africa which was opened by Attorney General Charles Njonjo and was a great success, earning him a scholarship to study in Germany at Hanover University from 1971 – 73. On his return to Nairobi, his exhibition at the National Museums of Kenya was aired on German television. Exhibitions in the USA followed in the 1970s, in Washington and New York. A major retrospective of Njenga’s sculptures, featuring over 200 pieces, was held at the National Museum in Nairobi in 2014, and Telling It in Clay, a biography by Lynnette Kariuki, was published in 2015. Njenga’s works feature in many important private and public collections worldwide.

        Art Auction East Africa
      • Edward Njenga (Kenyan, born 1922) City Askari, 1970
        Nov. 09, 2021

        Edward Njenga (Kenyan, born 1922) City Askari, 1970

        Est: KSh330,000 - KSh400,000

        Edward Njenga (Kenyan, born 1922) City Askari, 1970 Signed ‘ESN070’ (lower back of askari figure) Stoneware 33.2 x 20.6 x 13.2 cm (excluding base) Modern African Art

        Art Auction East Africa
      • Edward Njenga (Kenyan, born 1922) Street Maize Roaster, 1975
        Oct. 21, 2020

        Edward Njenga (Kenyan, born 1922) Street Maize Roaster, 1975

        Est: KSh500,000 - KSh800,000

        Edward Njenga (Kenyan, born 1922) Street Maize Roaster, 1975 Signed ‘ESN ‘75’ (base of maize seller piece) Terracotta 55 x 65 x 43 cm (entire group)

        Art Auction East Africa
      • Edward Njenga African Clay Sculpture of a Boy
        Mar. 25, 2017

        Edward Njenga African Clay Sculpture of a Boy

        Est: $100 - $200

        AFRICA, 20TH CENTURY A signed Edward Njenga African clay sculpture. The work depicts a seated boy in contemplation. The sculpture is fired in a Raku like glaze in coloring that makes itappear bronze. The sculpture is signed on the base and dated "1972".

        Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers
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