Elkanah Ongesa Sold at Auction Prices

b. 1944 -

Elkana Ong'Esa was born in 1944, into a family of craftsmen. He is heavily influenced by this heritage, which particularly gave him knowledge in the field of basketry, thanks to his mother, and the art of stone and metal work on his father’s side, who was highly respected for his work. He developed this heritage and know-how throughout his life,becoming one of Kenya’s most recognized artists.

Ong'Esa took classes in visual arts, sculpture, painting, and ceramics at the University of Mankerke. These various subjects were provided by both English and African teachers, a double education which would have a great influence on his work - although the education he received would never have as much impact on his artistic creations as would the heritage received from his family.

In parallel to his artistic career, Ong'Esa taught art at different schools, although he is now retired. Ong'Esa is an artist committed to improving and developing African society. He created "Design Power Consultants" of which he still remains the director, and whose mission it is to help the population on health, education and unemployment issues, through arts and crafts as well as visual arts.