By Emily Steer
Wangari Mathenge at Pippy Houldsworth
A fast-rising star in Chicago, Wangari Mathenge is known for her astutely observed paintings depicting the lives of people from the African diaspora, often situated within the home. A Day of Rest at Pippy Houldsworth focuses on domestic workers in Kenya, who number over two million, with many migrating from rural locations to find work in larger towns and cities. While domestic workers are officially entitled to labour rights such as paid sick and holiday leave, healthcare coverage and maternity, the reality sees these rights rarely enforced, with many workers enduring sexual and gendered violence. The paintings highlight the lives of seven women, developed from the artist’s characteristically personal approach, for which she invited workers for a day of exchanging stories and discussing key topics such as finance, spirituality, feminism and the need for rest.
