Wole Adedoyin Interviews Stanley Cheche: I Identify with Painting as a Tool for Communication

WA: PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF.
CHECHE: I am Stanley Cheche, a visual artist with over a decade of professional active practice. I was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, and it’s also where I work from. Through my art, I aim to tell stories about my surroundings and the world at large, with a focus on political, social, and economic issues. I address topics that may be difficult or sensitive for people to discuss or have been forgotten over time.
My artistic style has been greatly influenced by my desire to educate people and document stories about issues that matter. I work in two distinct mediums: mixed media abstract paintings on canvas and soft and oil pastels on textured paper. The pastels are particularly important to achieve the aesthetic element I desire, making my works stand out. The core of my creative process is driven by a deep desire to make a positive impact and drive transformation in society. This includes tackling retrogressive cultural practices like female genital mutilation (FGM). As a creative, I strive to influence others—both creatives and non-creatives—to bring about change in areas such as environmental conservation, human rights, animal rights, and global peace. In some works, I use mixed media to highlight the dangers of corruption in society, while in others, I address racial issues with relevant materials, ensuring that my message is conveyed, whether subtly or directly.

WA: TELL US MORE ABOUT ART IN YOUR COUNTRY.
CHECHE: Kenyan art is vibrant and dynamic, offering artists—from veterans to emerging talents—a platform to showcase their work. Over the years, the art scene in Kenya has grown exponentially, with private companies supporting and promoting art. Many businesses now offer their spaces for pop-up art shows and events, fostering creativity. A notable example is Safaricom, Kenya’s telecom giant, which in 2019 organized a nationwide art competition where I was fortunate to be a winner. Safaricom continues to support the arts by providing exhibition spaces for artists.
Additionally, the Kenya Art Diary has become an important venue for artists to showcase their works. This annual publication features the artwork of various Kenyan artists, providing exposure and recognition. The growth of galleries and the reduction of gatekeepers in the industry have further bolstered the art scene. However, challenges still exist, particularly in terms of limited funding opportunities, which prevent some artists from pursuing more capital-intensive projects.

WA: HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT IHRAF BEFORE?
CHECHE: No, I hadn't heard about IHRAF until a friend who is not a creative introduced me to it. This highlights the need for IHRAF to expand its reach so that more people become aware of it. However, I also recognize that, as creatives, we should make more effort to discover organizations focused on human rights.

WA: HOW ARE ARTISTS USING ART TO PROMOTE HUMAN RIGHTS IN YOUR COUNTRY?
CHECHE: Human rights issues are widely discussed by Kenyan artists who use various mediums to express their views. In painting, for example, there are open calls that encourage artists to address human rights topics. A notable example would be the "Art Against Slavery" open call, where artists create works across different mediums to highlight human rights issues. Art plays a crucial role in sparking important conversations and raising awareness about these pressing subjects.

WA: WHAT THEMES DO YOU PURSUE?
CHECHE: As an artist, I focus on three major themes: political, economic, and social issues. Through my artwork, I address issues happening both in Kenya and globally. For example, in my painting "When We Stop Talking", I explore political issues where world leaders refuse to resolve their differences, leading to wars that cause innocent people to suffer and die. This is reflected in both international conflicts, like the Russia-Ukraine war, and local conflicts in Kenya, where political disagreements, especially after elections, often result in violence and death.

WA: WHAT ART DO YOU MOST IDENTIFY WITH?
CHECHE: I identify with painting as it serves as an easy and powerful tool for me to communicate with my audience. Within this medium, I use distinct techniques. On one hand, I create abstract works using mixed media on canvas, and on the other hand, I use soft pastels on textured paper, which gives my pieces a unique aesthetic.

WA: WHAT ROLE DOES ART HAVE IN SOCIETY?
CHECHE: Art plays an integral role in society, just like any other profession. It addresses issues affecting specific communities in a unique way, whether through 2D or 3D visual works. Art not only serves as a source of beauty but also sparks conversations that drive positive social change and transformation.

WA: WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE ART WORK?
CHECHE: All of my works are my favorites because they are born from different points in my life, influenced by the situations that inspired them. However, if I had to select pieces from my three areas of focus, I would highlight "When We Stop Talking", a political piece, "Gateway to Hell/Taken", a social piece addressing female genital mutilation (FGM), and "Consequences", which critiques corruption and its role in creating societal disparity.
I also consider myself a creative in all aspects of my life. When I'm not painting, I express my creativity through interior design, helping clients realize their dream spaces through interior painting, flooring, and kitchen installations.

WA: WHAT JOBS HAVE YOU DONE OTHER THAN BEING AN ARTIST?
CHECHE: I have a passion for interior design, which brings me joy and offers a sense of variety that is different from my work as an artist. It encourages me to constantly read and explore new ideas, much like painting. In this field, I can also express myself creatively while helping others achieve their vision.

WA: WHAT IS AN ARTISTIC OUTLOOK ON LIFE?
CHECHE: From my perspective, an artistic approach to life means facing each day without being too hard on oneself. For example, when there's great music playing, and you're not wearing the right shoes for dancing, the best thing to do is simply remove your shoes and connect with the earth. Life is short, so it's important to enjoy it to the fullest.

WA: WHAT MEMORABLE RESPONSES HAVE YOU HAD TO YOUR WORK?
CHECHE: In 2017, during a group show at Alliance Française in Nairobi, one visitor approached me and said, "Do you know that this kind of work touches on me directly?" I was taken aback, so I asked how and why. She explained that my piece, "In Search of a Home", which dealt with the plight of refugees and stateless people, particularly touched her as a Burundian living in Kenya due to the war in her home country. That response was not only gratifying but also motivated me to keep creating works that educate and inspire people to take action for positive change.

WA: WHAT DO YOU DISLIKE ABOUT THE ART WORLD?
CHECHE: One aspect of the art world that I find frustrating is the requirement to pay to participate in open calls. To me, charging artists to showcase their work seems like a way to exclude people or make it harder for many artists to be involved in these events.

WA: WHAT DO YOU DISLIKE ABOUT YOUR WORK?
CHECHE: I don't dislike anything about my work. Each piece represents a part of my journey, and I embrace them all as expressions of my creativity and thoughts.

WA: WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT YOUR WORK?
CHECHE: What I appreciate most about my work is that it can resonate with both artists and non-artists. This means that the themes I explore are relevant and address important issues, pressing the right buttons that need to be addressed.

WA: SHOULD ART BE FUNDED?
CHECHE: Yes, absolutely.

WA: WHAT ROLES DOES ART FUNDING HAVE?
CHECHE: Funding plays a crucial role in the creation of art, impacting several areas. For instance, if I wish to participate in an artist residency but lack the financial means, my dream will remain unfulfilled. However, with proper funding, I can reach the goals I have set for myself. Additionally, production often requires funding, as certain artistic projects would be impossible to bring to life without financial support. In this way, funding becomes vital in turning artistic visions into reality.

WA: NAME THREE ARTISTS YOU'D LIKE TO BE COMPARED TO?
CHECHE: While I believe the idea of comparison is a bit excessive, for the sake of this interview, I would say that I’d be honored to be compared to the likes of Leonardo da Vinci, Iwai Wai, or Picasso. These artists are all monumental in their contributions to the art world.

WA: WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU'VE BEEN GIVEN?
CHECHE: The best advice I've received is to always let the sky be my limit. This has reminded me that if I want to soar higher, it depends entirely on my efforts and aspirations.

WA: WHAT IS YOUR FUTURE GOAL?
CHECHE:I have many future goals, but I would break them down into three categories: immediate, short-term, and long-term. In the immediate future, I aim to create works that inspire positive change. In the short term, my goal is to be represented by internationally acclaimed galleries. In the long term, I would like to mentor aspiring artists, ensuring that my purpose lives on even after I am gone, leaving a lasting impact on the next generation.

WA: YOUR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE TO UPCOMING ARTISTS?
CHECHE: There’s a lot I could say, but most importantly, I would advise upcoming artists to stay true to their vision, work tirelessly, and never stop learning. The journey may be challenging, but perseverance and dedication are key to making meaningful progress in the art world.

Stanley Cheche is a visual artist born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya. With over a decade of professional experience, Cheche has showcased his works in a variety of public and private art shows. Some notable exhibitions include the Affordable Art Show at the Kenya National Museum, the Kenya Art Fair, the East African Biennale, and the Dusit Art Show. Throughout his career, he has participated in several art competitions both locally and internationally, winning awards, including in online competitions in 2023. In this interview with Wole Adedoyin, Cheche discusses his works and passion for art.