Above: John Dyer pictured with his painting and one of the last two Northern White rhinos at the Ol Pejeta conservancy in Kenya in March 2023.
Embark on a journey into the heart of the African wilderness as we recount the remarkable expedition of renowned British artists John Dyer and Joanne Short to Kenya with The Born Free Foundation in March 2023. This artistic adventure, steeped in vibrant colours, exotic wildlife, and captivating landscapes, is a testament to the artists' extraordinary talents and a profound exploration of the intersection between art, people and nature. Join us as we delve into their experiences, from Maasai Bomas to the serene beauty of the Amboseli National Park and the last two Northern White Rhinos, and discover how this unforgettable journey has translated into a collection of stunning African artworks that beautifully capture the spirit and history of Kenya.
Precious Africa Expedition
Above: Artist John Dyer pictured preparing the equipment to record his day with the Maasai tribe in Kenya for the many schools around the world that take part in the Last Chance to Paint project. John Dyer is pictured holding an iPad mini and preparing microphones for recording the Maasai singing. John Dyer is an ambassador for Inmarsat, the global satellite company, who proudly sponsor the artist with equipment and connectivity. The Inmarsat Hughes satellite terminal can be seen on the Land Rover being prepared for broadcasting the expedition.
The Precious Africa expedition was the third undertaken by John Dyer as part of his Last Chance to Paint project, with over 50,000 children worldwide involved. It was the first time Joanne Short joined John on an expedition, and both artists were in awe of the incredible wildlife they encountered. From the majestic elephants to the graceful giraffes, each animal was carefully observed and recorded as part of a collection of paintings.
Above: Artist Joanne Short photographing and filming wild African elephants in Kenya for the Last Chance to Paint videos for schools. The videos and photographs provide inspiration for children to create their own paintings of Africa.
Last Chance To Paint inspires by allowing schools and children to 'travel' with the artists and watch a daily 'live' video, read a blog and ask questions that get answered for them each day. John Dyer paints, and the children all paint.
John Dyer is an Artist for EarthDay.org and the Artist in Residence at The Eden Project. He founded Last Chance to Paint in 2018 after Sudan, the last male Northern White rhino died, with a mission to create awareness in young people about conservation through art and to honour and celebrate wildlife, nature and our planet.
John Dyer is an ambassador for the satellite company Inmarsat who generously supports the artist with technology, expertise and airtime so the daily videos and blogs can be broadcast the same day to the many schools who follow the expeditions.
Painting creates a moment in time and a space to think, inquire, question and love that allows the children to bond to the animals, tribal people and endangered environment in the same way that the artist does; it is a lifetime bond that will inform them as they grow and will help them to empathise with and understand the issues around climate change and how it impacts their friends and contemporaries in remote communities, the wildlife and the environment.
The nine days of the Precious Africa Expedition were documented through painting, photography, blogs and video. Joanne Short captured John painting in many locations, from the native Maasai people in their traditional boma villages to the extraordinary and unique moment that John painted the last two Northern White Rhinos – a profound reminder that these animals are now functionally extinct and extinct in the wild. This was a Last Chance to Paint before extinction.
Watch Nine Episodes of the Expedition and John Dyer painting Africa
Watch all the remarkable, entertaining and profound videos from the expedition in this YouTube playlist. Use the menu on the top right of the video to see all the daily episodes.
Inspirational African Paintings
The paintings of Africa created by John Dyer and Joanne Short are more than works of art – they are an inspiring testament to the beauty and fragility of nature and a reminder that it must be protected at all costs.
“We must open our eyes to the world and care for what we have before it’s too late. The paintings of Africa are a great reminder of this; they are reminders that we must act now to preserve the wonders of nature for future generations.” John Dyer.
John Dyer's experience in Africa has been captured through his powerful paintings of the savannah. By immersing himself in this exotic continent's heat, light and culture, he has created a series of works that capture the beauty and vibrancy of African life. His work reflects an intimate understanding of the people and wildlife living here, allowing viewers to feel like they have entered another world. From Maasai Bomas to Amboseli National Park, John Dyer's paintings celebrate all that is unique about this region – its stunning landscapes, vibrant colours and captivating wildlife.
The journey culminated in a remarkable experience at Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya, where the last two Northern White Rhinos were encountered. The artist paid tribute to these magnificent creatures by recording their likenesses in paint, creating an emotive and unique piece of art that is part of the species history and bears testament to what we have lost.
Paintings of Africa
The paintings created during the Precious Africa Expedition are true African art and are now available to view and purchase. This incredible African art collection will inspire and capture the imagination of all who see it, allowing viewers to journey and experience this extraordinary adventure.
Above: British artist John Dyer painting the Maasai tribe in the Cultural Boma in Amboseli, Kenya, Africa.
From the grandeur of Mount Kilimanjaro to the captivating wildlife, each painting is a unique window into a world far removed from our own and a symbol of an environment that must be protected.
Above: John Dyer pictured painting Maasai women in a traditional boma setting in Kenya, Afrcia
We hope that these paintings of Africa will inspire you to explore the wonders of nature and to take small actions yourself to protect them by trying to reduce your impact on the climate as Kenya is in the grip of severe drought and on the edge of food and water shortages across the country.
We would love to see your children's inspirational creations inspired by Africa, so please share them with us https://www.lastchancetopaint.com/submit-art to exhibit in our World Gallery of African Art.
Contemporary African Wall Art Prints
Above: Paintings of Africa by John Dyer and Joanne Short displayed in wall art poster print form in a living room setting.
John Dyer’s and Joanne Short's stunning paintings of Kenya are now available to view and buy as African wall art poster prints for sale in our online gallery. The African wall art posters capture the vibrant beauty of Africa: its wildlife, landscapes and people with bold blocks of colour and crisp typography adding to the look.
Visit our online gallery now and choose your favourite African painting to hang in your home.
Contemporary African Art
Above: African art - the Maasai have a rich culture of craft and art which they create. The items include vibrant beaded jewellery and wood carvings.
Contemporary African art is a vibrant and diverse genre that has risen to prominence in recent decades. Often characterized by a bold use of colours and abstract designs, contemporary African art reflects the changing cultures and societies on the continent. From traditional folk art to multimedia installations, African artists have used a range of styles to explore topics such as colonialism, identity, gender roles, poverty, war, and globalization. Contemporary African art features everything from graffiti-style murals to stunning sculptures and installations made from found objects. With its vibrant colours, and design, inspiring messages, and unique perspective on global issues, contemporary African art offers viewers an insightful way to engage with the art of our times.
Contemporary African Artists
Above: Artists John Dyer and Joanne Short pictured with a school of children in Kenya who all painted their own 'Precious Africa' story, their life and their wildlife for the Last Chance to Paint project.
African Art is a rich tapestry woven from the diverse cultures of 54 countries, 1.1 billion people, and an estimated 1,000 to 2000 languages. This art form has garnered global recognition and appreciation in recent years, with an increasing number of auctions, art fairs, exhibitions, and galleries dedicated to celebrating the unique perspectives of African artists. From Nigeria's Njideka Akunyili Crosby to Ghana's El Anatsui, Kenya's Wangechi Mutu, Egypt's Ghada Amer, Ethiopia's Julie Mehretu, South Africa's William Kentridge, to Sudan's Ibrahim El-Salahi, and many more - their work is a testament to the creativity and diversity of the continent. African art is far more than the stereotypical images of women carrying water jugs on their heads.
Questions about African Art
Above: John Dyer at work painting the last two Northern White Rhinos in Kenya, Africa at the Ol Pejeta conservancy.
Who is the most famous painter in Africa?
William Kentridge, a renowned artist from Johannesburg, South Africa, is widely regarded as the best African artist today. Despite being born in 1955, he still resides and works in Johannesburg.
What is the most known African art?
Cultures across Africa have produced striking masks, including the Zamble Masks of the Guro Culture in the modern-day Ivory Coast and the masks of the Yoruba and Lalulua cultures, among others.
What is the traditional art of Africa?
In Western Africa, wooden masks are a type of traditional art that portray humans, animals, or legends and have gained popularity. They are used in various ceremonial and traditional settings, like re-election ceremonies.
What are the oldest African paintings?
Paintings of animals like zebras and rhinoceroses in the Apollo 11 cave in Namibia, created using charcoal, ochre, and white pigments on portable stones found in domestic debris, have been dated back to 24,000 BC, making them Africa's oldest rock paintings.
What is the traditional art of Africa?
African art traditions encompass various objects, materials, and media, such as sculpture, pottery, metalwork, painting and textiles collections. Although artistic styles vary by region, historically, African artwork has certain commonalities, such as many pieces being created for religious, ritual or practical purposes rather than solely for aesthetic purposes, which is the norm in Western art.
