Paper Beads on Board, 50 x 48cm
The piece is meticulously crafted using rolled recycled paper, where each textured bead acts as a brushstroke to define the contours of her face and the depth of her expression.
The background features soft, luminous yellow blooms—the "flickering lights" of the title. These represent the presence of hope, acting as beacons that guide the soul through periods of uncertainty. By using discarded materials to create something of beauty and strength, the work mirrors the theme of resilience. It is a visual testament to the power of moving forward, reminding the viewer that even when the path is unclear, hope remains a constant, glowing light.
Sandra Ateka is an upcoming, versatile artist based in Nairobi, recognized for her deeply emotional and innovative approach to mixed media art. She is celebrated for her practice of turning recycled magazines and waste paper into striking, surreal mosaic portraits made of paper beads. Her works are a masterful fusion of craft and meaning, where she intricately entwines the complex emotions of people with the symbolic language of flowers to reveal their innermost, often hidden, meanings. Her creative scope extends beyond mosaics, as she is also an accomplished watercolor artist.
Her compelling works have been featured in notable spaces within Nairobi, solidifying her status as a prominent emerging artist in the Kenyan scene. Her exhibition history includes participation in the Kenyan Fine Arts Festival at the Nairobi Gallery, the Affordable Art Show held at the Nairobi National Museum, The Ubuntu Virtual Exhibition and a collaborative mural for the 2024 Summit of the Future Conference hosted by the UN. Sandra Ateka continues to push the boundaries of her medium, leaving an indelible mark on those who connect with her captivating creations.