The British-Kenyan painter Michael Armitage found his voice by drawing from both of his cultural heritages. On the one hand, he creates landscapes inspired by East Africa, swirling together vibrant hues in his signature ethereal style. On the other hand, Armitage invokes Western iconography, drawing parallels to Titian, Goya, Manet, Van Gogh, and Schiele in his use of compositional elements. The overall effect is unique—exotic yet familiar, mythically charged yet personal. While Armitage’s work is the central focus of this exhibition, a neighboring room presents the work of East African artists who inspired him. —E.C.

Traveling to: Royal Academy of Arts, London (March 13 – June 6); Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute (Fall 2021).