In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, John Wangendo, a Skokie resident originally from Kenya, discovered a hidden talent that has now become a powerful tool for educating others about African cultures. Wangendo’s journey into the world of art unfolded during the pandemic-induced lockdown, leading to his first solo exhibition that highlights his heritage through captivating charcoal drawings.
Having settled in the Chicago area 25 years ago, Wangendo initially enjoyed a fulfilling life and pursued a career as an independent contractor. However, the boredom and isolation brought on by the pandemic prompted him to unearth a latent passion for art and drawing.
“I’m an independent contractor, so my workload really went down. I was just sitting in the house doing nothing — I don’t think this would have happened if the lockdown didn’t come,” Wangendo explained. The catalyst for his artistic rediscovery was his daughter, who encouraged him after stumbling upon a few sketches he had done casually. Wangendo hadn’t taken drawing seriously since he was 10 years old but found solace and joy in the process, reminiscing about the moments he would excitedly show his drawings to his parents.
Beginning in 2020 with pencil portraits of famous individuals and acquaintances from Facebook, Wangendo received positive feedback that fueled his newfound passion. However, he felt a need for a shift. Observing the abundance of portraits of celebrities on social media, he decided to pivot towards something deeply personal — his African heritage.
“In Africa, most talents go to waste. Talents like drawing and singing,” Wangendo lamented. “Parents want you to be a doctor, a lawyer.” Determined to showcase the value of art and encourage others not to abandon their talents, he transitioned to charcoal drawings on canvas.
Wangendo’s focus shifted to something more profound — capturing the essence of African children and residents. Wanting to educate the American audience about his culture and other African countries, he collaborated with photographers who frequently travelled to Africa. Their images became the inspiration for Wangendo’s striking charcoal masterpieces.
To share his work beyond the digital realm, Wangendo joined Evanston Made, a non-profit art organization. Impressed by his unique approach, he was soon invited to exhibit his art at the Evanston Art Center. Each of his drawings comes with a story, providing insight into the cultural context and the significance of the subjects’ attire.
Now, just a few years into his artistic journey, Wangendo is showcasing his solo exhibition at A + C Architects in Skokie. The exhibition, which began on Dec. 7, runs through Jan. 18, and admission is free. Underlining the importance of positive feedback, Wangendo expressed his excitement at seeing people stop to admire his work, marking a significant milestone in his mission to use art as a means of cultural education and appreciation.