Artists To Watch: Meet Lo, Founder of Sense of Space
I linked up with Lo, founder of Sense of Space, on a blisteringly hot Monday afternoon in Nairobi. Dressed in olive green cargo pants, platform sandals, and a shimmering kimono, she’s the picture of serenity and cool. She greets me warmly and engages me in small talk as we set up at a corner table in Charlie’s Bistro.
Anyone who attended Nairobi R&B’s Brunch in the 90’s was treated to a nostalgic, 90’s-themed bedroom installation, complete with posters of that decade’s icons, retro decor (cue groovy lava lamp), and a Nintendo 64. Sense of Space succeeded in curating a one-of-a-kind unique, immersive experience. Needless to say, the installation was popular amongst event-goers, with many stopping by to strike a pause or challenge their friends to a game. However, Lo’s vision for Sense of Space extends well beyond curating instagrammable installations.
Sense of Space 90’s Installation at Nairobi R&B’s Brunch in the 90’s Event. Photo’s Courtesy of Lo
All around the world, creatives operate in fragile ecosystems as artist communities remain largely under-funded, under-represented and un-protected. Sense of Space aims to tackle these issues. As a “creative collective and conscious business”, their mission is centered around using art to better society by building community and safe spaces for creatives across all disciplines - from music to tech, from art to the culinary world. Establishing a base in Nairobi, Sense of Space will operate as a social enterprise, injecting funds back into the creative community, and providing much-needed support in the forms of reliable income, and a physical space to create and showcase. Above all, Sense of Space is cause oriented: through multi-sensory installations and themed rooms, the collective will aim to educate and raise awareness around issues ranging from climate change to LGBTQ+ rights. Lo’s overall goal is to expand Sense of Space and create wellness havens for artists across the globe.
Let’s start with some background info.
My name is Lo, or Lauren, I’m from Miami, my family is Cuban. I’ve lived in Nairobi for 3 years now. And East Africa in general for close to 5 years. I do a bit of everything so I’m not sure what to start with. But, basically, I’m a creative director/stylist/yoga teacher. I really get to live out my passions and that’s one of the reasons why I came out to Nairobi. It gave me that freedom away from the Miami 9-5 grind, that work culture of America, and I am privileged enough to craft my own life.
Photo Courtesy of @lilabare
When did you then start your creative journey?
After college, I was without direction and lost in a sense because I was applying for a lot of jobs in my field and was not getting what I had hoped for. I had a few government jobs and I quickly learned that was not the path for me. So then I really struggled to find a place for myself. I took this marketing job and I was given a lot of freedom because I was put in charge of branding direction. And so started, I guess then, to really see myself as capable of executing cool, innovative ideas.
What is Sense of Space?
Sense of Space is my baby! This is what I really want to grow, and is part of what inspired me to come here. Basically what it is is an artist collective and creative agency based on multidimensional, life-changing experiences. I want people to be able to go into an installation and feel pulled in every sense that they can.
What inspired you to create Sense of space?
Basically, I was inspired by my friends. I see all of these talented creatives and they’re hustling where they shouldn’t be hustling. If people were exposed to this talent, I know that they [creatives] would be able to get the funding that they need and deserve. I want to be a part of making that happen. I’ve been a curator and creative director for a while, and I also work in development and therefore have experience in writing grants so I want to bring that and really fund creatives in Nairobi and East Africa in general.
Was the installation you curated for Nairobirnb’s 90’s Brunch the first you have done?
Yes! It was our first one and it was really exciting. I want to keep building the momentum off of that. We now plan on featuring more artists that are part of the collective on our page and really getting their content out there.
Sense of Space 90’s Installation at Nairobi R&B’s Brunch in the 90’s Event. Photo’s Courtesy of @s.afiri
Are these installations going to be strictly confined to event spaces? Or do you envision having a space of your own?
Both. Right now we’re looking for land to build unique architecture, using Nairobi architects, and create something that’s not really been done or seen in the region. For our space, you’ll be able to go on a tour like you're coming into a museum and get to go into all these uniquely curated rooms. Or you’ll be able to rent out one of the rooms as studio space for music videos or photo-shoots. The concept behind each room will have a mission aligned to it using art, and will offer fully immersive experiences to get people thinking about, or simply supporting, the cause linked to that room.
In terms of creative direction, outside of Sense of Space, when did you start? What was your first project and how was that experience?
Creative direction started off without me even noticing it. However, when I moved to Nairobi I instantly connected with people in the music industry and dressing my friends for events and shoots became something bigger than it had ever been. That flowed easily into set design. Each project has been an opportunity to learn and grow but my favorite projects are ones with amazing women like Bakhita or Vallerie where work feels like play!
Where are you hoping Sense of Space will be in 5 years? And where are you hoping to be?
I want for Sense of Space to really extend beyond East Africa. Generally, I think that artistic communities around the world are under-funded and under-represented. What I see Sense of Space becoming is a leader in pushing things aesthetically, and equally, for the betterment of the world. I want people to want to change themselves for the better after experiencing something from each Sense of Space location: whether it’s in Nairobi and you get to learn more about poaching, or it’s in paris and you get to learn more about colonization and decolonizing. Each place has a story that art and Sense of Space can help get out.
Photo Courtesy of @lilabare
For myself, I really want to be able to maintain the freedom I have now and to be able to do a little bit of everything. I didn’t study the arts in school and I never saw myself as an artist. My mum was a painter and a photographer and I was always just like oh, I can’t paint so I’m not an artist. It took me a lot of growing to realize that I actually have a lot to express and many ways to do it.
Keep up with Sense of Space here.
