Google established its first Sub-Saharan Africa office in Nairobi in 2007, and the second in the continent after South Africa in 2006. This marked a significant step in its commitment to providing innovative solutions and employment opportunities for African nations.
Located in Westlands, Nairobi, the office brings together creatives and professionals under one roof, fostering collaboration and innovation. To support a conducive work environment, the organization spares no expense in making sure that the offices are thoughtfully designed to reflect its global cultures while embracing local Kenya elements.
Each room features unique artwork inspired by Nairobi’s identity, rich with cultural significance. Google is a sustainability-driven company, and the Nairobi office has achieved LEED certification for its commercial interiors, making it both visually stunning and environmentally conscious.
Therefore, it was fitting that Kenyan visionary creator and sculptor Evans Ngure was commissioned to create aesthetically captivating art pieces for the office’s decor, all while aligning with the sustainability goal.
Photo: Evans Ngure, Instagram
Ngure is renowned for his use of discarded material to create his pieces. Mostly in form of animal collages, sculptures, lamps and most recently installations, his raw materials range from metallic waste, plastic, and e-waste.
Born and raised in Ngong, Rift Valley, Ngure pursued his schooling in Central Kenya where he was exposed to the perfect environment to develop a love for nature. Throughout his schooling, he honed his skill of collecting objects such as coins, shells and pebbles from dirt and the occasional dismantling of electronics and toys at home.
He regards his father as his initial inspiration, as he encouraged his passion for art and urged young Evans to sketch and observe the world around him. He took him on regular trips to Ngara, a bustling mechanic’s hub in Nairobi, which left a lasting imprint on his artistic journey. His experience influenced the mechanical and joinery elements in his sculptures.
He enrolled at the Kenyatta University to pursue a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Fine Art . He started out as painter until one of his lecturers encouraged him to explore the artistic potential in more unconventional art materials. He graduated and professionally began incorporating junk in his pieses, an avenue that has brought him fulfillment. Working with everything from parts of old cars, bicycles, TVs and telephones, his job is a testament of the strides towards biodiversity.
In 2023, his sculpture was recognized as the outstanding artwork in the RCE Youth Art Challenge, organized by the United Nations University Institute of Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) in collaboration with UNESCO.
Ngure has exhibited widely in Kenya and his work can be found in private collections both locally and abroad.
