Elimo Njau, “Master of canvas and clay” ranks among African greatest artists. Njau is truly the father of art in East Africa. His work on display in Paa ya Paa Art Centre describes his mastery as a sculptor, painter, muralist as well as a poet. He is the first African artist to exhibit in London. At the age 0f 80, he can still be found at centre giving tips to other artists. Elimo Njau’s living art is testimony of the present and past.
Church leaders noticed his blossoming talent at a young age, who offered him his first platform to display his art. A chance presented itself for Njau to display at Sunday school lessons and from there it kick-started his career. He proceeded to attain a degree in Fine Arts and History of Art at the Margret Trowell School of Fine Arts, Makerere University. Elimo associated with other artists and writers namely, Jonathan Kariara, Ngugi wa Thiong’o, Okot P’Bitek, Hillary Ngw’eno and Taban lo Liong.
Elimo Njau has so many achievements and he is a legendary artist who brought African art a perspective. Together with Ezekiel Mphalele they founded ChemiChemi Creatives Center. Elimo also co-founded Paa ya Paa Centre an excellent exhibition centre with his wife Phillda (the current archivist and curator). The gallery has managed to attract many high-ranking personalities, notably 39th President of the United States.
In addition, the Centre held the recent Black History month exhibition themed “Celebrating the daughters of Africa”. Njau is truly a legend in the arts industry; he also once contributed to a weekly column in the Nation newspaper. One of his famous works include five fresco mural (made of egg tempera) depicting the life of Christ at the Anglican Cathedral in Murang’a.
