Translation

Translation of TV78 YouTube

Journalist: Born in Kenya and now living in France, Nicola Risley started painting in 2005. She draws her inspiration from this beautiful wild country that still has some “old” traditions intact and alive.

Nicola Risley: It all started with the people that I admire so much: the ethnic groups in Kenya. I feel that there is not enough done (in terms of communication) on these ethnic groups – to show how interesting these people are, especially the Samburu. They are cousins of the Masai. What I admire about them is their complete lack of interest for material things – the exact opposite of us – and with this attitude, they are able to maintain their culture …

Journalist: A life in the savannah close to the wildlife, Nicola returns to Kenya once a year and spends time with different tribes. Invited to several official ceremonies, the autodidact transcribes the attires, necklaces and the attitude of the inhabitants onto canvas.

Nicola Risley: They grow their hair and I love the way they put ochre and grease in their hair – their long hair. (The Samburu) are a Nilotic tribe which means that they have very fine features. I just adore the whole picture: the necklaces, the fine features, their hair, and their expressions. These people are used to living in the bush and so it is a very hard life for them too.

Journalist: About forty paintings are exhibited as an anthropologist’s study to understand the daily life and culture of these populations: a journey to the heart of Africa