A celebration of women through art

March is the month when the world stops to celebrate women and their contributions to society. This year, women’s month kicked off with a number of events organised to showcase the talents of creative women.

Art lovers were in for a treat this weekend, starting with the opening reception of Njabala Foundation’s art exhibition at Makerere Art Gallery on Friday, March 8, 2024.

The gripping exhibition, titled Njabala: An Elegy, explored the themes of grief through the works of African artists Charity Atukunda, Helena Uambembe, Lerato Shadi, Letaru Dralega, Liz Kobusingye and Wambui Collymore.

Each artist used her art to explore the themes of feminism, identity, and mental health in unique ways, also bearing witness to stories of hope, strength, and renewal. This powerful exhibit affirmed the human capacity to overcome even the darkest moments. Njabala: An Elegy exhibition will run until March 23.

Female artistes addressing guests at Xenson Art Space in Kamwokya, Kampala. Photo by Ahumuza Muhumuza

In contrast to Njabala’s established artists, a younger generation took centre stage the following day (Saturday, March 9) at Xenson Art Space in Kamwokya, Kampala. Here, under the theme Embracing Her Essence – Esther Kantono, Olivia Nantongo, Rhona Nantege, Ganda, and Nicole Remus – a newer cohort, aimed to reshape narratives and challenge societal norms through their artwork.

Each artist brought their unique perspective and artistic expression, exploring themes of identity, sisterhood and solidarity, mental health, and resilience, all celebrated through various art genres.

Within the corridors of the two storey Xenson Art Space gallery, the artists led visitors on a captivating exploration of female identity, self-discovery, and cultural heritage.

Each artwork serves as a poignant reflection of the women’s multifaceted identities. Visual artist Nantongo’s images, for example, fearlessly confront the subject of mental health.

Art works such as Self Betrayal, Prisoner of Words Unsaid, and Speak Your Mind Even if Your Voice Shakes, delve into the haunting labyrinths of mental anguish, depression, grief, and anxiety.

Using herself as a model, Nantongo allows herself to become vulnerable, welcoming the audience to peek into her life and thereby build a connection.

“Each of my art pieces reflects a phase that I have been going through as an individual,” Nantongo says.

“When I cannot find words to express the pain I am going through; art becomes my outlet. It speaks louder than my words can,” she says. On why she allows herself to become vulnerable, Nantongo says it helps people who are going through the same to relate. “I used to put my art out there in the media. Strangers would text me saying, ‘I was going through a tough time and your art made me stronger’.”

While Nantongo uses photography on canvas as her medium, Remus’ unique art pieces are etched onto mirrors, rather than canvas. In works such as Oh My Heart, and Atonement; An Offering, Remus distinctively expresses herself on mirrors using UV stickers, photography, and digital art.

The other mediums exploited at the exhibition are watercolour, which Nantege uses to paint landscapes such as Still Water, and Dark Blue is for Dreams; while Kantono makes effective use of oil on canvas in paintings that explore the themes of sisterhood and solidarity.

At about 3:28 pm, attendees were ushered outside for a thought-provoking artist talk, moderated by journalist and art critic Andrew Kaggwa, where the young women got to peel back the layers as they delved into their artistic journeys.

The artists unveiled the emotions, narratives, and experiences that enabled them resonate deeply with their audiences. This engaging dialogue and the Q&A session served as a catalyst for the next generation – young girls in the audience – to discover the power of authenticity. The artists emphasised strength in vulnerability and the beauty in imperfection, inspiring the future artists in attendance to boldly take on the world.

Even a mid-talk downpour could not dampen the audience’s spirits; not a soul budged as the rain poured down from the skies.  The discussion addressed not only the common struggles Ugandan artists go through, but also the unique challenges faced by women in the industry, highlighting the significant pressures on women that lead to a high rate of attrition.

Ultimately, the Embracing Her Essence exhibition stands as a powerful testament to the enduring creativity, resilience, and unwavering determination of women artists. The exhibition will run until March 30.

Next door at Nzani Creative Hub, a vibrant International Women’s Market Day buzzed with activity, organised by Phenomenal Women Global. Alongside empowering workshops, women vendors showcased a stunning array of African-inspired crafts, textiles, bags, cosmetics, and more.

The day culminated in an electrifying performance by poet Zoe, who spilled her guts out graphically through verse, recounting stories of unrequited love and heartbreak.

The acoustic duo of Patricia Mitirikipwe and Collins Serunjoji put up a soul-stirring performance. Mitirikipwe captivated the audience with the performance of her latest record Leave Me Alone, which was met with roaring applause.