AN ODE TO THE DERA - IN ALL ITS GLORY

17 JULY 2025

Every man (read woman) is a moon, with two sides; the light and the dark. This duality between utopian and dystopian thought is captured perfectly in April Kamunde’s inaugural solo show: “Fabric of Our Being”.

Running until August 2nd 2025 at The African Arts Trust (TAAT), organized by Afriart Gallery (AAG) and curated jointly by Rosie Olang’ Odhiambo and Sharon Neema, the artist examines the dera, a traditional free-flowing gown worn by women and popular in most parts of East Africa and mainly among the Swahili.

The dera as portrayed by April, a garment usually worn at home

April interrogates this iconic dress in its various guises and nuanced perceptions. On the one hand, a garment used while doing chores and housework, on the other, a symbol of rest after work which is even subtly sensual.

‘Fabric of Our Being’ is an extension of her ongoing series titled ‘Rest: The Pursuit of Peace’ where April projects feelings she has towards the fatigue she, and other women around her, suffer as they keep domestic tasks ticking.

The labour in this equation needs to be evened out by rest, a factor that April repeats across the board to generate emphasis, a duality that she deems essential and consistently advocates for in her work and in the life she lives.

The deras in April’s work float and induce a feeling of freedom. Far removed from the pressures of everyday life, she paints deras in their looseness and comfort that put you in a flow state, enchanting and dreamy.

When discussing the dera, the artist further points out to its alluring quality. “I wanted to paint the dera as a sensual dress as well, but do it in a way where my 60-year-old aunties found it tastefully executed;” April says.

April portrays the dera as a subtly erotic attire

After spending almost 2 decades working on portrait commissions, April Kamunde branched out into full-time practice in 2020 and has since established herself as a true force in the East African art space.

Under the guidance of Afriart Gallery, April has participated in many shows including 1-54 London, but this remains her first solo show to date, in her home country of Kenya, and in Nairobi where she was born and brought up.

April Kamunde

Her career trajectory is a true source of inspiration to many up-and-coming artists, and a lesson that with the right type of exposure, real talent comes to the fore.

Almasi Art Agency keeps seeking out the best talent within the region of East Africa and beyond, and rooting for fine African art practitioners within and without the African continent. Click here to reserve your visit. We look forward to hosting you!