Meet Mr. Alex Wainaina -- the man who just gave recycling a grand makeover. Wainaina’s exhibition at the Banana Hill Art Gallery is proof that rubbish can be beautiful. On display were different types of recycled metal, perfect for the eco-hip art lover to acquire. Wainaina describes his style as, “junk art; very simple and mild.” The exhibition displays a large variety pieces and his personal favorite is that of a man attempting a daredevil stunt on his bicycle.

This piece is made from old BMX parts that are worn, rusted and used. The chipped and rusted metal gives the piece character, making it pretty darn cool. Wainaina is a self-taught artist who takes pride in his Kenyan heritage all though he does find the local art community to be somewhat lacking. His pieces tend to be more popular among foreign rather than local buyers. “We have not embraced art even though we produce art,” he ventures. Wainaina’s pieces stop at the border of cliché because he ads the kind of detail that makes their simplicity stand out.

The stately trees near the entrance of the gallery, which are an example of this, are made from rusted metal that give the onlooker a sense of being in the savannah. The effect is striking. Wainaina is currently overseeing the development of his website and locking down the next exhibition venue. “You cannot plan for art, you just work with inspiration,” he says. Wainaina’s work reminds us of what is beautiful about African art and people--our ability to be resourceful and do it with style. His pieces are a look into what modern Kenyan art should be; eco-hip.