Vipingo Ridge Welcomes Pie Herring: Art meeting the Coastal Tides
Vipingo Ridge is thrilled to announce the arrival of renowned artist Pie Herring , who will be presenting a new pop-up exhibition celebrating the deep-rooted traditions and sustainable practices of the Kenya coast fishing community.
We are looking forward to welcoming Pie Herring’s artwork to Vipingo Ridge in December, marking the start of a collaboration that brings vital coastal stories right here to our Clubhouse.
The Artist: A Trail of Deep Immersion
International Artist Pie Herring is celebrated not just for her extraordinary talent, but for her consistent practice of ethical storytelling and deep immersion. The exhibition hosted here is far from her debut; it is the continuation of her dedicated relationship with African communities, highlighting a track record that demonstrates profound engagement.
In Kenya alone, her work has spanned various regions: from the North, where she documented the culture and tradition of the Samburu people, to the coast, where she completed significant projects like the Diani Nomad Residency celebrating daily life and the poignant 2022 project in Lamu capturing the story of Master Tike. Her commitment to tangible change is best seen in The Ngalawa Project on Chale Island/Diani, which led to the construction of a traditional 30ft canoe, hand-painted by Pie, that now operates as a sustainable eco-tourism vessel, creating local employment and funding women’s beekeeping and conservation initiatives in Makongeni. Her dedication extends globally, with major immersive projects previously conducted in Ghana and Morocco.
Focusing on Watamu: Wisdom Against the Tide
This newest body of work is a powerful collaboration with the Wazee Fishermen of Watamu and Local Ocean Conservation. Pie has immersed herself in Watamu, capturing the character, tradition, and wisdom of a fishing community that adheres to sustainable, traditional methods.
As Vipingo Ridge recognizes the urgency of protecting coastal heritage and conservation efforts including the coral restoration at the Kuruwitu beach this exhibition is timely. It shines a light on the Wazee Fishermen and the women who sustain this trade, whose knowledge offers critical lessons in sustainability. Pie’s paintings serve as a powerful bridge, connecting global audiences.
Art That Creates Legacies
We are proud that this exhibition supports a model where art directly benefits the communities it portrays. All profits from the sales will be reinvested to support the fishermen, their community, and the critical conservation efforts of Local Ocean Conservation . Local Ocean Conservation’s flagship program, Watamu Turtle Watch, has been operating since 1997, protecting Watamu’s sea turtle nests.
We encourage everyone to take the opportunity to view the pieces at the Clubhouse this coming December, and any purchases will make a tangible difference to the subject matter, the Wazee Fishermen of Watamu and Local Ocean Conservation.
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