Jacque Njeri, a creative designer and artist from Kenya, finds comfort in creating things and seeing the world. With her most recent works, “Maasci” and “Genesis,” the University of Nairobi (UoN) alumnus paints pictures of an advanced technologically in Africa.
Njeri spoke to OkayAfrica during an interview where she stated that she wants to improve the existence and perception of African women by feminizing the images and people she portrays in her artworks.
She revealed that she is a major player in the Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) industry and is currently a resident of the Voice NFT hotspot website.
“The essence of Afrofuturism is progress in technology, progress in science and the perspective of the future. Joining the NFT space is an application of this message that we are trying to convey. We are updating this message,” she told the publication.
Her work highlights the significance of her background and pays tribute to her Kenyan roots and ancestors.
The Kenyan artist also created a project called “Genesis” which is based on the genesis of the Kikuyu people and the mythology surrounding their creation tale, in addition to presenting her project “Maasci” throughout Europe before the pandemic.
Njeri stated that the NFT marketplace provided a level playing field for African artists as it cuts through the traditional path of intermediaries selling their art on a global stage.
“I just completed my NFT residency at Voice and I hope that the experience I gained there will give me more opportunities to not only sell my own art, but also bring more artists to the field,” she stated.
“You have to develop yourself beyond making the work. With my experience and the basic work I’ve done, I’m consciously waiting for the fruits of it,” she added when speaking about her experience in the industry so far.
The Kenyan artist pointed out that the sector requires resources and infrastructure, and that the introduction of a number of cryptocurrency companies with an interest in Africa has helped artists on the continent find new sources of income.
“It is now our responsibility to put ourselves in the center and take advantage,” she emphasized.