MOKORO

Meaning ‘Mother’ in Sheng, MOKORO is a multi-media display celebrating the sanctuary of sisterhood. A collective of young women living in an informal settlement in Kenya artfully challenge the limits of waste through up-cycled fashion and design

+44 (0)20 7942 2000
  • V&A South Kensington

    Cromwell Road
    London, SW7 2RL

  • Fashion Gallery, Room 40

  • Free event

A collective of young women living in the informal settlement of Korogocho in Nairobi, Kenya, artfully challenge the limits of waste materials. Within the walls of the art studio Warembo Wasanii, young female artists craft pieces entirely from refuse sourced from the neighbouring Dandora and Kariobangi landfill, ingeniously repurposing these discarded resources.

Mokoro is a collaborative project between Warembo Wasanii and photographer Kristin Lee-Moolman, stylist Louise Ford, Yann Turchi and curators Sophie Strobele and Emmanuelle Atlan, presented by ERE Foundation in association with Nataal Media. Consisting of photographs, video and sculptures, Mokoro highlights the transformative power of authentic artistry and the strength of collective empowerment.

The female only art studio Warembo Wasanii, provides a refuge, both creatively and emotionally, for the girls of Korogocho. The women residing in the slum lack a space to be women freely and safely. Yet within the walls of Warembo Wasanii, Otieno shares knowledge and expertise, encouraging the women to share their ideas and personal stories. The young women and girls at Warembo Wasanii are empowered to express their artistic creativity, extending the lifespan of discarded items in imaginative new ways.

Artists and Talents: Joan Otieno and members of Warembo Wasanii Art Studio
Photography and Video by Kristin-Lee Moolman, Art Direction by Louise Ford, Hair by Yann Turchi, Curation Sophie Strobele and Emmanuelle Atlan, supported by Farago Projects.

Part of London Design Festival at the V&A
#LDF22

Header image: Mokoro © presented by ERE Foundation