The Italian Cultural Institute of Nairobi, in collaboration with East African Ocean Explorers, is pleased to present Kenya Beneath the Waves, an extraordinary photography exhibition by National Geographic Explorer and photographer Jahawi Bertolli, celebrating the remarkable marine biodiversity of Kenya’s coastline.
Through striking underwater images, the exhibition takes visitors on a journey into a world that often remains unseen: from vibrant coral reefs and sharks to dolphins, whales, and the smallest organisms inhabiting the waters of the Western Indian Ocean. This visual journey celebrates the beauty and richness of Kenya’s marine ecosystems while encouraging reflection on the importance of their protection and conservation.
Born and raised in Kenya, Jahawi Bertolli is a photographer, filmmaker, and environmental storyteller. As a National Geographic Explorer, his work explores the relationship between people and nature through compelling images and stories that promote the conservation of Africa’s natural heritage. Together with his wife, Elke, he founded East African Ocean Explorers, a nonprofit organization dedicated to environmental awareness, ocean education, and inspiring a new generation of ocean storytellers and conservation leaders.
The exhibition will be hosted at the Rooftop Gallery, Village Market.
The opening reception will take place on Friday, 7 August, from 6:00 p.m., in the presence of Jahawi Bertolli, who will meet visitors and share insights into his work and his experiences documenting Kenya’s extraordinary marine ecosystems.
The exhibition will remain open to the public from 8 to 13 August, from 10am to 6pm and on 14th August until 12noon.
Admission is free and open to everyone.
Join us as we dive into the hidden wonders of Kenya’s underwater world and discover, through the power of photography, why protecting one of Africa’s most precious natural treasures is more important than ever.