Artist Yang Mai in front of Hold Me in Your Arms: Held by Africa, 2024

In Kileleshwa, Nairobi, an exhibition space, where lush greenery meets industrial aesthetics, provides a striking context for art. Yang Mai's solo exhibition "Hold Me in Your Arms: Held by Africa" unfolds in a realm where nature’s tranquility and architectural form intersect.

Exhibition Overview

Hold Me in Your Arms: Held by Africa crafts a transcultural conversation, where Yang Mai's adept blending of materials and spatial dynamics probes into identity, freedom, and the essence of being, inviting engagement with its rich thematic tapestry.

Hold Me in Your Arms: Held by Africa, 2023-24

Yang Mai repurposes over 200 second-hand school uniforms sourced from numerous schools in China, now circulating as daily wear in Kenya's local markets, into a medium that delicately balances order and freedom, echoing the intricate dance between individuality and collectivism.

A Chinese school's motto; the school urges students: 'Master morality, embrace pragmatism, contribute to development, and excel in execution.'

These dense arrays of uniforms, once symbols of conformity and imposed identity, are now transformed. Within a space soaring nearly ten meters, each uniform intertwines, tugs, and supports each other, seeming to dance independently, creating a sense of dynamic suspension. This complex weaving blurs the lines between order and freedom, highlighting the subtle tensions between the collective and the individual.

Moreover, these uniforms silently carry their former owners' aspirations, secrets, and youthful romances, showcasing layers of individuals striving to express their uniqueness within a collective life or seeking self-worth within a communal culture. Unlike his previous works in the Hold Me in Your Arms series, Yang Mai doesn't limit his selection to uniforms from a single school; instead, he utilizes hundreds of styles circulating in the Kenyan market. This approach crafts a tapestry of social texture, mapping the unique structures of collectives (from individual schools to entire educational systems) and individuals (from students to classes and schools).

The school badge is covered with a cartoon patch

A student “declaration” found on a school uniform

Further, "Hold Me in Your Arms: Held by Africa" explores the metamorphosis of objects' utility and symbolic meaning across cultures. The exhibition illuminates how school uniforms, emblematic of collective identity in China, seamlessly weave into the fabric of daily life in Kenya, adopting an exotic allure. This material journey not only underscores the fluidity of cultural exchanges but also challenges preconceived notions of locality and globality, shedding light on the diverse meanings attributed to the same objects across different cultural and economic landscapes. This reflection prompts a deeper inquiry into cultural identity within the mosaic of global diversity.

Kenyan motorbike drivers wearing Chinese food delivery uniforms

Behind the Art

Yang Mai's artistry is ignited by his global journey, reaching far beyond his six-month residency in Nairobi to include diverse experiences across China, the United States, and other countries. These global interactions challenge and meld disparate cultural perspectives, prompting the creation of Hold Me in Your Arms. The series is a vibrant exploration of the interplay between cultural diversity and personal identity cloaked behind the façade of global commodities. Each iteration, particularly the latest Hold Me in Your Arms: Held by Africa, transcends traditional visual boundaries, transforming his artwork into compelling suspended installations that intricately map the complex web of personal and collective narratives against the backdrop of globalization.

Over the past year, Yang Mai's travels have exposed him to the identity crises faced by individuals who, for various reasons, have come to or settled in East Africa. He notes, "Unlike in China and the US, the longer history of colonization and nearly 200 years of slavery have structurally oppressed and reshaped African cultures. Even as these African nations strive to build democratic systems post-independence, they grapple with issues of cultural identity and severe racial discrimination."

Grasping the emergence of Hold Me in Your Arms: Held by Africa within Nairobi's artistic milieu offers deeper insight into the exhibition's significance. Venturing into contemporary art in a landscape dominated by traditional crafts like ebony carvings is no small feat. Yang Mai reflects, “The economic limitations and infrastructural deficiencies, coupled with the enduring legacies of colonialism, slavery, and tribal distinctions, mean that the contemporary art scene in East Africa is nascent, still deeply rooted in handicrafts.”

Artists often face challenges related to the country's dependency on imports, such as material scarcities and logistical delays. Yang Mai's experiences mirror these difficulties, compounded by the additional necessity of navigating safety challenges.

A common type of handicraft sold in Kenyan local markets

For instance, gathering the necessary uniforms led Yang Mai through local markets, flanked by at least two security personnel. Engaging with a diverse array of vendors tested his patience and negotiation skills, providing him with an intimate glimpse into Kenya's grassroots life and deeply influencing his artistic process. Such insights shaped 'Hold Me in Your Arms: Held by Africa' into a closer examination of human nature and societal contemplation.

Apparel vendors in a Nairobi local market

A corner of a local market in Nairobi

Furthermore, constructing the inner foundation of 'Hold Me in Your Arms' required sourcing a variety of materials, a task significantly complicated by the scarcity and high cost of manufacturing capabilities in Kenya—prices that are notably steeper than those in the US, thus creating a substantial disparity when considering the local average income. Yang Mai found himself frequently negotiating returns and exchanges, grappling with items delivered that were incorrect or in inconsistent sizes. Despite the slowed progression of the project, Yang navigated these challenges with resilience. This journey not only sparked his reflection on Kenya's unique commercial practices and cultural nuances but also prompted a critical examination of the interplay between art creation and business realities.

Reflecting on his experiences, Yang Mai shares, "In the East African art scene, finding reliable professionalism and broad conceptual openness among practitioners can be challenging. The appreciation for contemporary works that diverge from traditional colonial or local cultural themes is often limited. As an Asian artist, breaking through these barriers to mount a solo exhibition has been a formidable impossible. Yet, achieving Hold Me in Your Arms: Held by Africa under these circumstances has been a remarkable feat. My heartfelt thanks go to every friend and collaborator who dared to believe in the extraordinary with me and provided unwavering support throughout this journey."

One of the exhibition sponsors, Chi Yang, project operations manager Zhenzhen Guan, and artist Yang Mai

During the installation

During the installation

From another perspective, Nairobi, a melting pot of cultures, attracts a global community, providing a broad and eclectic audience for the exhibition. 'Hold Me in Your Arms: Held by Africa' thus breaks beyond geographical limits, drawing an international crowd that comes to Kenya for various reasons, including war, work assignments, or personal pursuits. This rich background enriches the exhibition's impact, fostering a wide-ranging dialogue and enhancing the work's reception across a spectrum of perspectives.

At the exhibition

At the exhibition, interactions between the attendees and the artworks inject fresh dynamism into the event. Visitors are particularly drawn to the intricate details of the pieces, either captivated by their visual impact or intrigued by the narratives they convey. This prompts a deeper level of engagement, leading to thoughtful observation, fostering discussions, and sharing of personal reflections and insights. Such engagements not only spotlight the inherent appeal of the artworks but also underscore the significant role of art as a tool for communication and expression.

Exhibition opening

During the opening, Yang Mai and the exhibition team engaged directly with attendees, enabling a deeper understanding of the intention and narratives behind the work. Many shared their experiences and perceptions of individual and collective relationships, cultural identity recognition, and explorations within their transnational life and work experiences, transforming the exhibition space into a platform for discussing society, culture, and personal identity. This provided an opportunity for visitors to re-examine themselves and their surroundings.

Children and teachers from Erdemann Chinese School

Children from Erdemann Chinese School

Yang Mai's “Hold Me in Your Arms: Held by Africa” is a transcultural artistic exploration, presenting not only the artist's personal experiences and creative journey but also engaging in a profound dialogue on culture, identity, and liberty. Through this exhibition, Yang Mai not only showcases his artistic practice to the world but also invites audiences to reconsider their own positions and perspectives in the world. This solo exhibition undoubtedly marks a successful artistic endeavor, forging deep connections between the art, and the audience, and initiating new reflections on selfhood, freedom, and identity.

Hold Me in Your Arms: Held by Africa offers a transcultural journey through art, blending the artist's narrative with broader discussions on identity and freedom of expression. This exhibition goes beyond displaying Yang Mai's creative evolution; it challenges the audience to rethink their roles and viewpoints within the global context. This solo exhibition stands out as a bridge of the gap between the artist's vision and the audience's experience, sparking insightful contemplations on individuality, liberty, and belonging.

Yang Mai's Solo Exhibition: Hold Me in Your Arms: Held by Africa

Exhibition Dates: January 2024 - Ongoing

Location: Erdemann Chinese School, Laikipia Rd, Kileleshwa, Nairobi, Kenya

Supported by:

Project Operation Management: Zhenzhen Guan

Artist Assistant: Simon Mutua

Installing Team: Simon Mutua, Samuel Onyango, Victor Riziki, Wilberforce

Photography: Huiqin Hu

Sponsors: Chi Yang, Erdemann Chinese School

Story: Yang Mai

About the Artist

Yang Mai is an artist born and raised in Guangzhou, China, and currently based in New York and Beijing. Mai holds a Master’s degree from the School of Art Institute of Chicago and a Bachelor’s degree from the Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology. He was awarded the National Endowment for the Arts Award in 2021. Mai was featured in solo exhibitions including 好！（SAY-SO), Three Shadows Art Centre, Beijing, 2023; 怀抱 (Hold Me in Your Arms), National Agriculture Exhib. Center, Beijing, 2021; 如果我能说 (If I May Say), COMMON PLACE, Beijing, 2021-22; Good Morning, China! (早上好，中国!), CUE Art Foundation, New York, 2020, which travels to ChaShaMa, New York, 2021; and Made in China at ChaShaMa, New York, 2017; His work has been presented at Artsy Foundations, New York, 2023; Li Tang Gallery, New York; 201 Art Space, Beijing; Taihe Art Center, Beijing; LATITUDE Gallery, New York; New York Fashion Week, 2018-19; Art Miami Fair, 2018; The 2016 Design Show, Chicago; Sage Studio, Chicago, 2016. His works were mentioned in El País, The New York Times, Artnet, Artforum, Contemporary Art Daily, VOGUE, and more.