Unveiling
a new
Partnership
with
Kinondo Kwetu

Kinondo Kwetu prides itself in a holistic outlook on luxury holiday accommodation. Owned and run by a Swedish family, the establishment is in many ways a “home away from home” with its cozy feel generated by the intimacy of its accommodation and warmth of its dedicated staff.

With such a stelar reputation, the award-winning establishment needed artwork that matched its top billing. Enter Almasi Art Agency. On a curatorial and consultative capacity, AAA worked with Kinondo Kwetu to select pieces that are befitting of the space.

Two artists were primarily selected to furnish the walls of the public spaces at Kinondo Kwetu: Kamau Kariuki and Alexis de Vilar. With Kamau, he represents the surge in talented young artists in Kenya, while Alexis offers the steadying presence of a seasoned international photographer.

Kamau Kariuki is Nairobi born and raised, and his work depicts nostalgia. This is not only brought to the fore by his use of nomadic pastoralist subjects, but by weaving them together in a cultural composition that screams “Africa” at the first point of interaction.

27 MAR 2026

On the other hand, Alexis de Vilar oscillates between Barcelona and Lamu. He is of world renown and uses ink on black and white photographs to capture hauntingly beautiful scenes and subjects. A true veteran of his craft, Alexis has been working in the same medium since 1964.

Circle of Life by Kamau Kariuki

The duality of the artists converges on the theme that was picked for the exhibition: black and white artwork. In every one of the carefully selected pieces, the timeless class of light and dark is evident, matching the energy of the space they occupied at Kinondo Kwetu’s study, bar and restaurant areas.

A MARQUEE COLLECTION OF ART FOR A STANDOUT BOUTIQUE HOTEL

Swahili Lady - Lamu by Alexis De Vilar

Some spaces demand to be draped in the best garb. Kinondo Kwetu is one such space: idyllic, calm and exclusive, the boutique hotel has been the hallmark of luxury accommodation in Diani for over two decades.

Almasi Art Agency has partnered with Kinondo Kwetu to present a unique experience: The Black and White Exhibition that has been running from December 2025 and will end in April 2026.

The duality does not stop with the experience of the artists on show but with the theme of black and white. A figurative expression of the light and dark that we encounter in our everyday lives. Good and bad. Balance. A staple of our own being.

Fishermen In Dhow- Mozambique by Alexis De Vilar

Fishermen – Indian Ocean by Alexis De Vilar

AAA, through partnerships, continues to create an avenue for artists, both experienced and upcoming, to showcase their talents. We would like to thank everyone involved in ensuring the success of this exhibition and mainly Kinondo Kwetu for being gracious hosts.

Kamau Kariuki’s artist biology as presented at Kinondo Kwetu

If you are interested in such collaborations/partnerships, or have any inquiries on collecting fine African art, you can reach us on email to discuss the same.

“Model on Canvas” by Alexis De Vilar

“Marked by Heritage”: Kamau Kariuki

Unspoken Bonds by Kamau Kariuki