Naomi Wanjiku Gakunga, M.A. '91

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Naomi Wanjiku Gakunga, M.A. '91, has received the prestigious Charles Wollaston Award from the Royal Academy of Arts, United Kingdom. Wanjiku won the £25,000 prize for Wetereire – Waiting in the Royal Academy’s 253rd Summer Exhibition (open until Jan. 2, 2022). Established in 1978 and presented to the "most distinguished work" in the exhibition, it is one of the most significant art prizes awarded in the UK.

"I am greatly honored, and I am also very appreciative of the role that my education at UCLA has played towards this recognition," Wanjiku said.

Wanjiku studied and lectured in design at the University of Nairobi, Kenya, before continuing her graduate work at UCLA.

Read the full press release.