The main objective for being in Uganda was to organise and curate an exhibition of contemporary Ugandan Art for Kampala based charity, the Child's i Foundation The exhibition will take place in London in October, all profits made from selling the artworks will go to the charity. Whilst in Uganda I met with as many local contemporary artists as possible and by the end of my trip selected seven artists to work with. I have brought back over 40 prints, paintings and sculptures.
Please click HERE to see a selection of some of the works to be exhibited and sold at the October exhibition.
HISTORY OF UGANDAN ARTS
Take a look at page 18 of the Uganda Bradt Guide for a good overview and history of Ugandan Arts.
Also worth a read is Harry Johnstone's article: Evolution of Visual Arts in Uganda in Start Journal
Start Journal is an online journal for Arts and Culture in Uganda, the editor Thomas Bjornskau is always keen to hear from those interested in Ugandan art. If you'd like to learn more or contribute to the journal contact: thomas_bjornskau@hotmail.com
The Margaret Trowell School of Art at Makerere University
To see more images please click HERE
I was very impressed with the facilities, tutors students and general atmosphere at the Art school. As far as I can gather the course syllabus is structured in a very similar fashion to the British Art School system. The first year is spent learning technical skills, the second year is project led and the third pretty much open for the students to develop their own style and visual language. A Finnish tutor had recently implemented an environmental art course in the Sculpture department. I have a report on the success and challenges of the project, for more info on this please feel free to get in touch.
I held an interview with professors Steve Mwesigwa steevoug@yahoo.com +256 (0)772469707 and George Kyeyune INTERVIEW COMING SOON
The weaving building was a special highlight of the college. This is a reference video of the looms which I'd like to work with at a later date.
GALLERIES IN KAMPALA
Makerere University Art Gallery
Much recommended, a changing exhibition, a social space.
Curated by Katrin Peters-Klaphake
petersklaphake@googlemail.com
AfriArt Gallery
Contemporary Arts and Crafts for sale
Block 57, Kenneth Dale Drive
Off Kira Road - Kamwokya
P.O. Box 5961
Kampala
Uganda.
Off Kira Road - Kamwokya
P.O. Box 5961
Kampala
Uganda.
Telephone:
+256 712 455 555
Nommo Gallery
Uganda's National Gallery and a component of Uganda National Cultural Centre along with the National Theatre of Uganda.
4, Victoria Avenue, Nakasero, Kampala
0414 234 475
Tulifanya Gallery
Contemporary Arts and Crafts for sale
0414 254183
OUTSIDE KAMPALA
The Ruwenzori Sculpture Foundation
After one cheeky car ride (managed to hitch a lift with a lovely man called Jacob from Care International) one near deathly bus ride and two motorbikes I arrived at the Ruwenzori Sculpture Foundation, based at the foot of the Ruwenzori mountains, near Kasese.
Here I was greeted by Drongo the dog (who was to be my guard and best friend for the next four days), artists, Emmanuel, David, Lucky and a lovely lady called Patricia.
For more information on the sculpture foundation please see their website or this LINK
ARTISTS
Three artists stick particularly in my mind on returning from Uganda.
Kakumba Sudi, a young abstract painter (pictured) I met at the Friday craft market by the rail station. ysimon62@yahoo.ocm +256 (0)788538985 AUDIO INTERVIEW COMING SOON
The softly spoken and very intelligent Ronex (+256 752537828 ronexarts@gmail.com) and the enigmatic outgoing Edison Mugalo (+256 (0)752878400). I'm not mentioning these artists for their work necessarily but for the conversations, networks, and information you will receive from them if you are starting off researching Uganda visual arts.
Shared Studios and Artists Collectives
I came across a few shared studios and artists collectives in Kampala. I personally see this as a positive step in the future of Ugandan Contemporary Art. I agree with local Artist, Mark Kassi who says "The Art Studio is the result of an effort to form a sense of community amongst fellow artists, at the same time it provides a space where we can paint, be inspired and showcase our art".
Whilst researching in Uganda what struck me overall was the generosity and friendship between artists. Whilst selecting artworks for the Child's i exhibition each artist introduced me to another artist, who recommended me to someone else, there was a genuine sense of comradeship amongst the up and coming and more established art ensemble. Most of the artists I met were also involved in some sort of community engagement projects like the Streetkids workshop at Design Agenda Gallery.
Studios I visited are:
Njovu Art studio is a collective of 7 visual artists. They are based in Bukoto, behind the Kabira Country Club.
Kampala based Ronex lives with one other artist in an amazing house just by the university.
He is about to set up a new artists collective in Kampala. Below are pictures of his studio space / home.
and Edison Mugalo has recently set up a new exhibition and studio space.
The Kampala Arts Trust Website seems to have a lot of interesting projects going on and are at the forefront of supporting a Modern Art Museum in Uganda. I'd love to hear anyone's thoughts on the need and drive behind a Modern Art Museum in Kampala.
A final collective which I didn't get a chance to visit but would have liked to research further are "In Movement- Art for Social Change" based on Ggaba Road in Kampala. If anyone finds out more I'd love to know.
OTHER COUNTRIES
Tanzania: Tinga Tinga Art
A Tinga Tinga artist at work in his studio in Zanzibar. (Where I was lucky enough to spend a week).
+256 712 455 555
Nommo Gallery
Uganda's National Gallery and a component of Uganda National Cultural Centre along with the National Theatre of Uganda.
4, Victoria Avenue, Nakasero, Kampala
0414 234 475
Tulifanya Gallery
Contemporary Arts and Crafts for sale
0414 254183
OUTSIDE KAMPALA
The Ruwenzori Sculpture Foundation
After one cheeky car ride (managed to hitch a lift with a lovely man called Jacob from Care International) one near deathly bus ride and two motorbikes I arrived at the Ruwenzori Sculpture Foundation, based at the foot of the Ruwenzori mountains, near Kasese.
Here I was greeted by Drongo the dog (who was to be my guard and best friend for the next four days), artists, Emmanuel, David, Lucky and a lovely lady called Patricia.
Drongo
Some of the facilities at the Ruwenzori Sculputre Foundation
The very well organised tool cupboard
Bricks being made in the hand built kiln.
A wee still life
Work begins on a new gallery space.
A mixture of new and traditional techniques are used. Making sand for the foundry.
Emmanuel showing me the processes involved in casting and bronzing.
Walking just above the centre. (When the mist clears the mountains are stunning I'm told)
Emmanuel polishing a bronze by Jon Buck
Amazing detail on the wax cast of a bird and insect.
ARTISTS
Three artists stick particularly in my mind on returning from Uganda.
Kakumba Sudi, a young abstract painter (pictured) I met at the Friday craft market by the rail station. ysimon62@yahoo.ocm +256 (0)788538985 AUDIO INTERVIEW COMING SOON
The softly spoken and very intelligent Ronex (+256 752537828 ronexarts@gmail.com) and the enigmatic outgoing Edison Mugalo (+256 (0)752878400). I'm not mentioning these artists for their work necessarily but for the conversations, networks, and information you will receive from them if you are starting off researching Uganda visual arts.
Shared Studios and Artists Collectives
I came across a few shared studios and artists collectives in Kampala. I personally see this as a positive step in the future of Ugandan Contemporary Art. I agree with local Artist, Mark Kassi who says "The Art Studio is the result of an effort to form a sense of community amongst fellow artists, at the same time it provides a space where we can paint, be inspired and showcase our art".
Whilst researching in Uganda what struck me overall was the generosity and friendship between artists. Whilst selecting artworks for the Child's i exhibition each artist introduced me to another artist, who recommended me to someone else, there was a genuine sense of comradeship amongst the up and coming and more established art ensemble. Most of the artists I met were also involved in some sort of community engagement projects like the Streetkids workshop at Design Agenda Gallery.
Studios I visited are:
Kampala based Ronex lives with one other artist in an amazing house just by the university.
He is about to set up a new artists collective in Kampala. Below are pictures of his studio space / home.
and Edison Mugalo has recently set up a new exhibition and studio space.
The Kampala Arts Trust Website seems to have a lot of interesting projects going on and are at the forefront of supporting a Modern Art Museum in Uganda. I'd love to hear anyone's thoughts on the need and drive behind a Modern Art Museum in Kampala.
A final collective which I didn't get a chance to visit but would have liked to research further are "In Movement- Art for Social Change" based on Ggaba Road in Kampala. If anyone finds out more I'd love to know.
OTHER COUNTRIES
Tanzania: Tinga Tinga Art
A Tinga Tinga artist at work in his studio in Zanzibar. (Where I was lucky enough to spend a week).
