Kezhia Hilda Orege
I was born and raised in Kenya, and always enjoyed travelling the world from an early age. I now live in London however my love for Kenya and its rich and diverse heritage stayed with me. My passion is travelling to explore ancient disappearing cultures, understanding the objects used in traditions and educating people through my exhibitions. My love for cultural history, and my African heritage has been the driving force for dealing in traditional Antique African Art for the last 15 years.
I am an art dealer specialising in Tribal Art, with a focus on tribal cultures across Africa. I studied History of Art at Birkbeck University and completed further studies at the British Museum focusing on different African cultures. I am a frequent exhibitor at the prestigious Tribal Art London Fair and collaborate with contemporary galleries in London acquiring pieces on behalf of private clients for investment purposes and interior design.
I was drawn to History and Literature whilst at school and naturally I excelled in these subjects, which has subsequently informed my current career path within the Art Industry. My dream would be to see more of us Africans get involved in acquiring our own traditional pieces to display in our homes and for the next generation to take an appreciation of our indigenous culture which may bring about better protection of our most valued traditional antiques by keeping them where they belong. I was particularly impressed by the late African Heritage founder, Alan Donovan who entrusted his house with his entire collection to be used for African studies, something which will undoubtedly be of great benefit to the future generation.
Away from the arts, I am a co-founding member of Africa United Corporation, an organisation founded to offer accessibility to technology in Africa for the less privileged and those living in the rural areas. My other interests include volunteering with the Octavia charity who offer a befriending service to those who are lonely and isolated.
I applaud the Kenya Society for bringing Kenyans and those who have an interest in Kenya together to share in the commonality that bonds us all.