Written By Sophie Kelliher (Art2Be) 

On Saturday the 1st of October GIZ, Art2Be and TICAH successfully opened the secondexhibition, in a series of three, of “Our Bodies, Our Stories” at the National Museum in Nairobi.  Fourty seven year old Adriana O’Meara, one of the viewers of the exhibition appreciated it, describing it as “moving beyond words”.  The contemporary art gallery in the National museum will be glowing with an array of beautiful colors, life transforming stories and deeply moving representations of a journey through 20 people’s lives in the age of HIV/AID’s in Kenya up until the 30^th of October 2011.

“This exhibition has transformed my thinking” Marion Keinamma, 28.

Similar to GIZ, Art2Be and TICAH’s previous exhibition in Kisumu last month, this exhibition brings together 20 Body Maps made by Kenyans between 2005 and 2011, most of who are living with HIV.  The exhibition enters the ‘closed’ world of HIV/AID’s by making the unapproachable approachable. The images and stories provide a means of witnessing, experiencing, considering, engaging and creating awareness about what otherwise might not disclose.

‘Each individual is unique and special; each one has their own story. I appreciate diversity like never before” Jane, 23.

The opening of this exhibition attracted an array of people from all different walks of life who individually met and listened with their eyes to each body map in the serene space provided by the museum.  The room was filled with acceptance, understanding, growth, care and respect for the breath taking and empowering work that had taken place to make this exhibition possible.

“I was empowered. Thank you” Caroline Muthaka, 52.

Dr Klaus Hornetz, outgoing Programme leader of the GIZ Health Sector Programme, Xavier Verhoest (Art2Be) and Dr Mary Ann Burris (TICAH) all had the opportunity to express their gratitude that this project was made possible. Each, individually, addressed their future steps, projects and desires to promote these innovative approaches that GIZ, Art2Be and TICAH create to generate positive living and social changes amongst marginalized groups within society.

Also present at the opening where participants of the body mapping workshop. Each of the participants proudly represented their work and told their stories to those who attended the opening bringing those present face to face with the sorrows, struggles, fears, uncertainties, joys, weaknesses and strengths of people living in the age of HIV.

 “I can share more today than I could have done a few days ago, only that is already so important” Kuria, 35.

The opening of the exhibition is a step towards fighting stigma and discrimination against those affected and infected with HIV and AIDS.  By using this popular public space in Nairobi GIZ, Art2Be and TICAH are encouraging awareness, promotion of personal expression, providing health information, challenging prejudices and communicating to the general public about positive living and social change.

The German Development Cooperation through GIZ promotes innovative initiatives anchored at improving Human Rights for all.