Louis Masai – Last of My Kind
Sometimes art is produced for art’s sake but Louis Masai is an artist who creates his work for a purpose that resonates with him.
Louis Masai has spent the last 10 months painting some of the most endangered African animals upon the walls of South Africa and Europe. This latest project is to draw focus specifically on critically endangered birds.
Masai says… ‘I have been painting animals on walls for over three years now, at first I was learning how to use my tools, then I became interested in a style, now I realise that thousands of people are watching what I do via the internet. I’m a conscious Rastaman and I want my art to reflect my inner being as a human. For the past 10 months, I have been more true to myself. I have a message. Reaching this point has been a very organic process and I’m proud to be an artist raising awareness and helping give a voice to those who don’t.’
Whilst doing the research for this project, Masai became increasingly astounded at the sheer number of birds that were already extinct, let alone endangered. It became apparent to him that the strongest message of all would be to create a show that concentrated specifically on the critically endangered. Some of the bird’s chosen are so rarely sighted that only taxidermy images could be found for reference. With this in mind, intertwined with a healthy obsession for music, Masai has found exciting ways to reference; dead musicians, vintage musical instruments and apparatus, within the show. This combination of subject matter allows for an interesting juxtaposition of dead musicians and almost extinct birds, nature’s musicians.
Bristol, deemed to be one of the ‘greenest’ cities in Europe, has an eclectic connection with artists from all around the world, after many group shows and murals in Bristol, it really is the perfect canvas for Masai’s next solo show.
An exciting show is always amplified when the space is a fresh exploration for the viewer, even more so when that space is usually inaccessible to the public. Masai has carefully selected an unused Edwardian toilet on Woodland Road near the top of Park Street.
Working on this project are Charlie Star, Bristol resident and Curator, Gallerist and Events Manager and, Ruthie Penfold, Curator, Promoter and all round art supporter.
The show opens this Friday 22nd November from 6pm. Don’t miss out!