Rene Chana
Statement
I am an architect, urban designer and a multidisciplinary artist based in Bromley, Southeast London, originally from Nairobi, Kenya, where I was born in 1970. My work spans painting, sculpture, digital art, and photography, grounded in conceptual and modern approaches. I use oil, acrylic, and mixed media on canvas, cloth, cardboard, and reclaimed wood. Many of the materials I use are found on building sites or salvaged from waste, allowing my creative process to remain spontaneous, intuitive, and open to change.
My art is a reflection on evolution, consciousness, connection, and the human experience. I explore how we live, relate, and create meaning. I am interested in how our built environment mirrors our inner state. Inspired by both nature and city life, and by influences ranging from ancient traditions to modern culture, I consider the ways in which art, architecture, and design shape both the spaces we inhabit and our inner worlds.
Creating art is a meditative and exploratory process for me. Many of my ideas come through quiet reflection, my experience as an architect, and the insights I receive during and after meditation. I often engage with the contrasts of life such as light and shadow, order and chaos, clarity and uncertainty as I search for the deeper principles that shape our perceptions and our reality.
Recurring themes in my work include nature, creativity, and the search for truth. I aim to make art that is positive and reflective, offering a moment for stillness, connection, and contemplation. At its core, my work is about presence, attention, and the possibility of transformation through creativity. It is not about playing a role or crafting an image but about expressing something real, honest, and grounded in lived experience.
Bio
Rene Chana, born in 1970 in Nairobi, Kenya, is a multidisciplinary artist based in Bromley, London, UK. Known for his innovative use of oil, acrylic, and mixed media, Rene works across painting, sculpture, digital art, and photography. His distinctive style integrates reclaimed materials such as old clothes, wood, and waste materials found on building sites, creating a unique fusion of art and sustainability. Rene is best known for developing coloured paintings and sculptures that express a raw, emotive exploration of evolution, growth, and existence.
Rene’s work delves into profound themes of life’s evolution and the connections between physical and spiritual realms. He draws inspiration from a diverse range of subjects, including the untamed beauty of wildlife, the grandeur of architecture, urban environments, and the serenity of nature. His work often weaves together reflections on ancient and modern human cultures, expressing both the depth of human emotion and the visual aesthetics of design. Key projects such as Spiritual Growth (2018-2023), The Artitect Within (2011-2016), Trees Are Us (2001-2010) and Living in Africa (1990-2000) showcase his evolving journey as an artist, blending personal experiences with broader environmental and spiritual themes. These series reflect Rene’s ongoing exploration of self and the world, from the natural world to the complexities of urban life.
Rene has participated in several significant exhibitions, both in Kenya and the UK. Notable shows include exhibitions at Gallery Watatu and ABC Gallery in Nairobi, the Bamburi Hotel Art Exhibition and Lake Magadi Open Air Art Exhibition in Mombasa, as well as the MA Gallery in Malindi, Kenya. His work has also been featured at the Bromley Art Gallery in the UK. Rene’s artworks are held in various private collections globally, reflecting his widespread recognition and the universal appeal of his thought-provoking work.