ABOUT

Kito is a contemporary artist whose practice is rooted in femininity, nature and intuitive flow. Born on August 27, 2000, in Kajiado, she has created for as long as she can remember, guided by a deep sense that creation is inseparable from life itself. She holds a diploma in Fine Arts and Design and is currently based in Lamu, where the ocean, island rhythms and closeness to nature have profoundly shaped her way of working. Her work often centers women’s bodies, cycles and forms drawn from nature — particularly flowers, which she views as symbols of divine femininity, sacredness and quiet strength. Alongside these, she continues to explore oceanic forms and evolving subject matter, allowing her practice to remain open and unrestricted. Kito’s process is intuitive and tactile, embracing experimentation and trust. She works across materials and surfaces, sometimes incorporating found natural elements, reflecting her interest in texture, presence and place. In January 2025, she founded Art Kito Gallery, a space dedicated to art, craft, and creative growth. The gallery reflects her belief in art as a living practice — one that includes creating, curating, conversation and shared exploration. Through her work, she remains curious about how art can function beyond the object, engaging dialogue and contemporary modes of expression. Kito’s work has been exhibited in Nairobi and Europe. Across all that she creates, she continues to learn, explore, and trust the flow.

''I am grateful for the people and places that witness my becoming'' - Joy Kito

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Exhibitions

2025

• Growth, Art Kito Gallery, Lamu, Kenya — Solo Exhibition

• Twende Tu, Lamu, Kenya — Collective Exhibition (exploring divine feminine nature, with two other women visual artists)

• Subira House, Lamu, Kenya — Collective Exhibition / community engagement event

• Earth Love Arts & Crafts / Farmers’ Market, Shela, Lamu, Kenya — Ongoing Collective Exhibitions (monthly, with women creatives)

2024

• Session 04, Galeria Azur, Berlin, Germany — Collective Exhibition

• Shifting Tides, Kobo Trust, Nairobi, Kenya — Collective Exhibition (by seven artists)

• Lamu Yoga Festival, Banana House, Lamu, Kenya — Collective Exhibition

2023

• Sauti Exhibition, Nairobi, Kenya — Collective Exhibition (two visual artists and one performing artist, by TICAH, focused on SRHR)

• Artmtaani, Nairobi, Kenya — Collective Exhibition and Live Painting Session (by McKinsey)

• Mural Collaboration, Kenya Cultural Centre, Nairobi, Kenya — Collaborative mural with the Australian High Commission

2022

• 22nd EACM SME Trade Fair, Kampala, Uganda — Collective Exhibition

• For Arts Sake, Nairobi, Kenya — Collective Exhibition

• Mukuru Art Group Exhibition, Wartberg, Austria — Collective Exhibition

• Collective Narrative, Banana Hill Art Gallery, Kenya — Collective Exhibition

• Mukuru to Oberhausen Group Exhibition, Germany — Collective Exhibition

• Pink Flame Exhibition, Tewas Art Gallery, Village Market, Kenya — Collective Exhibition

• Self Identity, Online Exhibition — Collective Exhibition

• Affordable Art Show, National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi — Collective Exhibition

• Art in the Open, Village Market, Kenya — Collective Exhibition

2021

• Sanaa Art Show, Sarit Center, Nairobi, Kenya — Collective Exhibition

• Manjano Art Exhibition, Godown Arts Center, Nairobi, Kenya — Collective Exhibition

• Fota Online Art Exhibition — Collective Exhibition

Awards

• Visual Artist of the Year, People’s Choice Awards, 2024

Publications

• Business Daily, 2022

• Daily Nation, 2023

• The Standard, 2025 (two publications)