acrylic on canvas, 50x40cm
“In truth, courage, Derrick Ibalai portrays the modern man’s hidden battles. A blindfolded figure, raw brushstrokes, and soaring birds, reveal tension, resilience and hope. My piece challenges gender expectations, while celebrating vulnerability while celebrating vulnerability as a form of strength.”
ARTIST BIO: Derrick Ibalai is a Nairobi-based multidisciplinary contemporary artist, creative strategist and entrepreneur. Working in classical African pop, his practice explores identity, culture, spirituality and the human experience. Versatile across mediums—oil, acrylic, watercolor, pencil and ink—Derrick’s work has been exhibited in leading galleries such as Ardhi Gallery and the British Council and African Nomad Art Space, and is collected across the globe. Beyond his studio practice, Derrick is the founder and creative director at Sanaa Fusion, founder of Ibalai Studios, and Head of Events and Arts Development Programs at Art-Life Group, where he fosters collaborative projects, curates exhibitions and supports African creatives. Rooted in both his Nairobi upbringing and Teso heritage, and informed by his training in landscape architecture, his art and leadership champion self-awareness, community and the future of African creativity.