About the exhibition:

Geraldine Robarts has a forthcoming exhibition entitled “The Mau Forest” which opens at 6.30pm on Thursday 13th May and runs until 6pm on Sunday 23rd May. There are 42 new paintings which depict the famous Mau forest in Kenya.

The Mau Forest is the largest closed canopy forest in East Africa. It is the largest water tower in Kenya – the source of 12 main rivers and 5 lakes. Its water contributes to the water resources of neighbouring countries and the Nile basin.

An extensive closed canopy forest traps water for slow release into rivers and supports tourism and energy production. It is an essential resource. If it is removed the water release occurs within days rather than weeks, leading to short term flooding and long term drought.

The Mau Forest is facing major threats from logging and encroachment of farming. The Government of Kenya has recognised that action is needed to remove the encroachment and stop felling trees and to replant the forest. Many squatters have been forcibly removed and commitment has been gained to replant the forest.
This exhibition is a response to the forest. It is the result of considerable research and study by Geraldine Robarts. In addition to the joy of a wonderful exhibition it is our aim to support positive action towards replanting trees for the benefit of the future of Kenya. It is estimated that 200 Million new trees will need to be planted for the future of Mau to be secure.

As a small contribution we aim to have 1000 Youth Volunteers planting seedlings as soon as possible. In order for this to happen their living expenses and their travel costs need to be paid. At the exhibition it will be possible to purchase indigenous tree seedlings generously supplied by KEFRI (Kenya Forestry Research Institute) to support the replanting.