Lisa Christoffersen: Living For Art, Fashion And Adventure

Maybe it is because she was born in Africa, but Tanzanian-born Danish Lisa Christoffersen has always had a strong connection with African art and nature. She has made a successful career as an author, an interior designer, an African art curator and as an organiser and hostess of exclusive bush trips. She is as consumed by her passions in her 50’s as she was in her 20’s making her a powerhouse in the Kenyan art scene. We had the luxury of talking to her about her love for African art, her inspiration and what she covets most.

- Jackline Mukami

Couture Africa [CA]: First we would love to know what motivated you to move and develop your career here in Kenya.

Lisa Christoffersen [LC]: I was introduced to Art by Dr. Koloss who is quite an authority on African tribal arts and the curator for a tribal art museum in Berlin, Germany. I had the advantage of frequent travels to and from Africa since I used to work for Scandinavian Airlines who back then, was the handling agent for most major airlines. That is how I got to meet Dr. Koloss during one my frequent visits to Africa. He advised me to focus on African art. Which is what I did and when my daughter turned a year old, we moved to Nairobi and I continued with curating. I would buy art from collectors and build up a market which has subsequently grown to where I work with artists and photographers.

CA: You actually moved to Kenya, from Denmark, with 22 suitcases at 22 years of age. Was there any hidden meaning in that?

LC: [Laughs] actually, there was none. I had been a collector for years and it just happened that all the things I had collected or inherited at the time fitted in 22 suitcases. Luckily enough, I used to work for the airlines so that made the transition much easier.

CA: What has fascinated you about Kenya so far?

LC: Kenya has so much to offer. Especially the city. You are living in this beautiful cosmopolitan town that it is full of an eclectic mix of interesting people from all over the world who inspire you. Also, learning the different cultures is quite a wonderful experience.

CA: When it comes to art, where do you draw your inspiration from?