Heaven is Dry

Heaven is Dry - Richard Kimathi

Almas Art Foundation was proud to present Heaven is Dry, a solo exhibition by Richard Kimathi at The Africa Centre, London. Born in 1971 in Nyeri, Kenya, Kimathi is renowned for his experimental and empathetic approach to contemporary painting, using a unique visual language that blends caricature-like reductionism with deeply human insight.

The exhibition explored themes of resilience, vulnerability, and the everyday struggles of ordinary Kenyans, with particular attention to male mental health and the pressures to appear stoic in the face of adversity. Through his work, Kimathi transforms subtle social realities into visually compelling narratives, inviting viewers to reflect on hidden layers of experience and emotion.

A regular exhibitor at One Off Contemporary Art Gallery, Kimathi has also represented Kenya at the Dak’art Biennale (2006) and the 57th Venice Biennale (2017). Heaven is Dry featured works generously loaned by One Off Contemporary Art Gallery and Richard Kimathi Studio, showcasing the artist’s evolving exploration of identity, society, and the human condition.