The Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute (NCAI) recently transformed its gallery into a world of myth, technology and immersive storytelling with Wayfinder, a solo exhibition by acclaimed Indian artist Sahej Rahal.
Wayfinder is a portal into Rahal’s imaginative universe, where myth and narrative challenge our views of reality. Through video installation, sculpture, digital media and performance art, Rahal invites viewers to take an active role in his evolving cosmology. Each work in the exhibition is designed as a doorway to new worlds, where visitors can reimagine life and travel beyond the boundaries of everyday existence.
The exhibition features two captivating video installations. Distributed Mind Test (2023) takes viewers on a haunting journey through a multiplayer game. Players embody fractured impulses, guiding a non-human creature through a world shrouded in perpetual night. This mysterious digital landscape is shaped by a cataclysmic event that has erased humanity, creating a thought-provoking, eerie atmosphere.
Anhad (2023) stands out as an AI-driven simulation. The AI entity moves through a digital forest, its movements resonating with Hindustani music. These sounds evolve as the AI responds to audio cues from the physical environment, blending the digital and real worlds seamlessly.
Wayfinder complements digital works with three new sculptures and a collection of drawings from Rahal’s The Book of Missing Pages (2018-2023). Together, these pieces offer an immersive experience. They invite audiences to co-create Rahal’s mythical worlds by exploring, deconstructing, and reinterpreting his creations.
The title Wayfinder captures Rahal’s artistic approach, which blends storytelling and myth-making. These are pathways to alternate realms. Born in 1988, Rahal blends fact and fiction to challenge modern narratives. His works, including sculptures, video games, AI programs, and installations, draw on ancient legends, science fiction, and social commentary. Wayfinder adds to Rahal’s impressive portfolio, with exhibitions at renowned venues like the Gwangju Biennale and MACRO Museum Rome. Rahal has received numerous awards, including the Cove Park/Henry Moore Fellowship.
Hosting Wayfinder aligns with NCAI’s mission to promote contemporary art in East Africa. Since 2020, NCAI has become a cultural cornerstone in the region. It offers exhibitions, educational programs, and public talks that celebrate both regional and global talent. Wayfinder introduces East African audiences to Rahal’s visionary art, enhancing NCAI’s role as a bridge between Nairobi and the global art community.
