Atlanta multimedia artist Grace Kisa uses familiar and unconventional materials inspired by the Kenyan tradition of creating art with found objects.
Artist: Born in Nairobi, Kenya, Kisa spent her early childhood there before moving with her family by virtue of her father’s job as a senior economist to Addis Ababa Ethiopia and later McLean, VA.
After high school the family moved to Gaborone, Botswana, but Kisa headed to Atlanta, where she earned a graphic design degree from the Art Institute of Atlanta.
Company/studio: Kisa works from her studio in Atlanta. Kisa, who considers herself Kenyan American, has been a full-time artist since 1995.
In the beginning: After graduating from the art Institute, Kisa worked at a fine art distribution company in Atlanta, where 10 artists worked on original paintings for commercial galleries, interior design firms, hospitals and hotels. Kisa worked there for two years before stepping out on her own.
Art & materials: Sculpture, painting, printmaking, installation and costume design inspired by her experiences growing up in different countries.
In her mixed media sculpture (her primary work), Kisa uses clay, cast resin, wood, bottle caps, metal, paint, sisal fiber, zip ties, paint and other recycled and repurposed objects. ($500 to $25,000).
“By taking what is familiar and making it new,” said Kisa. “I create a narrative that engages history, folklore, myth, social awareness, the idea of timelessness, and the complexity of identity.”
Must-have tools: Resin, wood, metal, band saw, drill, sander, drill press and miter saw.
Inspirations: Many, including:
- Ancient African astronomical observatory.
- The Dogon of Mali and Burkina Faso, Egypt.
- Music (classical, rock, afro beats, alternative, house)
- Astronomy, physics and cosmologies.
- Any creation that is imaginative or conceptual.
Fun or special commissions:
- Collaboration with sculptor Ellex Swavoni for a starry blue public art sculpture, known as the Sky Goddess, on the Atlanta Beltline’s Westside Trail. 2021.
- A temporary public art piece, “Avenues of Engagement,” installed on an overhead catenary cable system at Commercial Row Commons in Midtown Atlanta. 2024. The piece reflects the networks and support systems that uphold our communities.
Recent honors: Invited by the European Cultural Center to exhibit her work, “Personal Structures: Beyond Boundaries,” in Venice during the 60th Venice Biennale. 2024.
Now on view: Prints is included in the juried Georgia printmaking exhibit at the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art. Through March 16.
What’s new: Preparing for a solo exhibition at the Emma Darnell Aviation Museum in Atlanta. May (TBA).
What’s next: Vermont studio Center Fellowship. September 2025.
Where to buy: gracekisa.com
Connect:
- Instagram: @studiogracekisa
- Facebook: Art of Grace Kisa
