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another word for creativity is courage - henry matisse
photographer / painter @artaoko / singer / writer
based in nairobi, kenya
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My first time exhibiting as an artist felt a little different from photography. Starting a new creative practice, trying new things and allowing myself to be a beginner has taught me so much about myself and what I’m capable of when I put my mind to something.

It’s not always easy, but it’s so worth it!

Also… life is so long and so short at the same time. Just try that thing you can’t seem to shake off. It’s 100% been placed on your mind for a reason.

Thank you @nubian_gallery for this opportunity and experience 🤗 My work is being shown alongside such incredible artists, and I’m really grateful to be part of it. 

This exhibition is on until 25th October. Go check it out! 🍃 taken in Nairobi, Kenya by @lyraoko
14
a day ago
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A little art update ☺️

I’ll be showing my work at two upcoming shows with @affordableartshow.ke @kenyamuseumsociety & @nubian_gallery, which I’m really excited about! ✨

My current showcase at @provisionskenya wraps up next week, so if you haven’t made it yet, come by and spend some time with the work. And a big thank you to everyone who has purchased a piece of my he/art so far. It means so much 🤗

I’m also looking for more spaces that feature Kenyan art on their walls. So far, I know of @thelavalatte @knead.ke @provisionskenya @kofisicentres @ukohapake @javahouseafrica

Tag your favourite food spots, cafés or public spaces (outside of galleries) that intentionally support and showcase local artists 🙌🏾

😍 Update with your answers from my story 😍
@peponi_hotel 
@thebookworm_gigiri 
@papercafe.nbo
@thecanteennairobi taken in Nairobi, Kenya by @lyraoko
0
7 days ago
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This floral carlight cover design

@papercafe.nbo Mo Amin Exhibition

@museumsociety article about Kenya needing a National Art Gallery ‼️

Discovered the name of this shell

I started out as a musician and realizing my brand name is tied to my culture made me so happy! The Lyre is also know as the nyayiti

Notice the natural gradient

Some pictures make themselves! Ebee riders getting ready to deliver fresh produce

Her music teacher was blind so she performs blindfolded in his honor

I wish this fitted perfectly 😭 my brain cracked!

I love it when my propagated plants surprise me 🌸😍

Nairobi arboretum has all this idle space at the cafeteria while artists are crying out for more affordable art spaces 🍃

Gorgeous artwork at Ankole Kitisuru

Kenyan success cards make me so happy! Maximalism at its finest 😍

Kuona is the quirkiest space in Nairobi ☺️ I love it here

God gave us sunrises and sunsets for free ❤️

The beauty of food, nature, community and loving a new culture! Nairobi has such hidden gems 🍃

Again… for free ☺️

@fleurs_de_kav roses are truly out of this world 🍃 taken in Nairobi, Kenya by @lyraoko
6
9 days ago
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🍃 I’m so happy to be showcasing some of my latest work, alongside a few past favourites, at @provisionskenya from 4th September to 4th October.

🌸 This body of work has been a true labour of love, bringing together femininity, nature, stillness, wellness, and my deep love for the natural world.

☀️ If you’re in Nairobi, come by, spend some time with the work, and see which pieces speak to you. If you love something, take a piece home, bring a friend, or simply spread the word. Every bit of support means so much. 

💕 @provisionskenya has been the perfect backdrop, with their beautiful space and commitment to slowing down, connecting, and celebrating handmade, thoughtfully created products.

☕📚 And while you’re there, grab a coffee and settle in with a good book thanks to @coffeelabnairobi and @thepocketlibraries taken in Provisions by @lyraoko
17
20 days ago
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🍃 I’m so happy to be showcasing some of my latest work, alongside a few past favourites, at @provisionskenya from 4th September to 4th October.

🌸 This body of work has been a true labour of love, bringing together femininity, nature, stillness, wellness, and my deep love for the natural world.

☀️ If you’re in Nairobi, come by, spend some time with the work, and see which pieces speak to you. If you love something, take a piece home, bring a friend, or simply spread the word. Every bit of support means so much. 

💕 @provisionskenya has been the perfect backdrop, with their beautiful space and commitment to slowing down, connecting, and celebrating handmade, thoughtfully created products. taken in Nairobi, Kenya by @lyraoko
9
12 days ago
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I visited the @biennale_africa x @cave_bureau open studio and left with a full creative cup and so much to sit with. 🍃

It was a beautiful exploration of Nairobi, nature, decay, development, and our relationship with the ecological world. I loved the panel discussions, the ‘abandoned’ building location smack in the middle of the city, and the intentional art and design curation.

The afternoon was a reminder to slow down, observe, play, follow curiosity, and let plants, people, and the city itself speak.

Art is intelligence. Art is the most powerful conversation. 

The developers have allowed the exhibition to run for the next 5 months 🍃 Check out @cave_bureau to book a visit!
Photography by @lyraoko by @lyraoko
16
14 days ago
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Colors, textures, form, shape, contrast, lines… there is endless inspiration found in nature 🍃 by @lyraoko
2
18 days ago
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My baby ‘Moon Shine II’ has been adopted by @nubian_gallery and is sitting pretty among some of my favorite Sudanese artists 🍃 Art broadens our worlds and creates such a beautiful space for understanding between cultures! I’m feeling so grateful for this opportunity

I also got to try Sudanese baobab seeds without the red dye, just like our ‘Mabuyu’, along with the most delicious caramel treats on the side 🍃 It’s the little things! taken in Nairobi, Kenya by @lyraoko
11
19 days ago
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Portrait of @robart_mugambi at @seven.artists 
Photography by @lyraoko by @lyraoko
3
20 days ago
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August 2026 🍃🌸

Asparagus! & a big yaaaasss to the loml 💕

Bought art supplies @sayaricrafters

Prepared for my @provisionskenya showcase

Appreciated this artist who exhibits in the real world!

Appreciated @p_kamwathi’s genius at @ncai254

I thank God for my people everyday ❤️

Preview of some of the work showing at @provisionskenya

How can I get shares at @rexsicecream.ke

This leaf confirming our sunset theme

Found the best roses in Kenya thanks to @waru_guru 🌸

Love that @circleartagency is showcasing more new artists!

My girls are the most elite! I cried so much in this day!

@angelsmileatelier made my dream wedding gown! I felt like a princess and so beautiful 🌸☀️

@stickylittleleaves intentional curation and heart-warming invitation to witness her Japan pilgrimage inspired me so much!

@teamwowbeautysalon did that! Thank you Nelly 🌸

🌸 princess mode 🌸

Gathering people in the name of love ❤️ this season has been beyond special!

The universe, sun, moon, God, ancestors, family, friends, planner, vendors, nature, animals, aura, spirit, culture, location, music, movement, food, love, drinks and beauty all came through and gave us the most magical weekend ever! ✨

Gratitude is my posture from now until forever. ❤️

Thank you @moetchandon for my birthday bubbles 🍾🥂🍾🥂

@abbaontheinside took the best picture of me ever! I had to share this one and thank my girls for the most special day! taken in Nairobi, Kenya by @lyraoko
228
23 days ago
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My stay at @saffrongardenmalindi was a much-needed mid-year break! The goal was to do absolutely nothing, and I’m happy to report that I achieved exactly that 😂

This cozy boutique felt like a little oasis in the middle of Malindi town. I loved the natural atmosphere, beautiful African-inspired decor, delicious meals, plenty of naps, space to create, clear full moon sightings and most of all, how much it felt like home.

I’d highly recommend it for your next stay in Malindi. ☀️ 

I capture slow and intentional images of beautiful spaces. Get in touch with me for Lifestyle & Travel photography via dm or email Lyraokomedia@gmail.com taken in Malindi, Kenya by @lyraoko
8
a month ago
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I had the pleasure of capturing portraits of Savanna, the founder of Anchor Wellness @anchorwellnessclub.ke, a yoga studio created around the idea of slowing down and reconnecting with ourselves. 

This session reminded me of the quiet beauty in simply being present, of movement, stillness, fresh air, nature, and the little moments that invite us to pause. 🍃

Lifestyle portrait bookings via dm or email - lyraokomedia@gmail.com
View more via link in bio - Lyraoko.com taken in Nairobi, Kenya by @lyraoko
14
a month ago
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