The Uganda National Culture Center (UNCC) has inaugurated a women-themed art exhibition entitled Mukyala Art Exhibition to celebrate women and narrate their stories through art.

The exhibition was launched at the Nommo Gallery in Kampala on April 26, 2024, and is scheduled to run until May 26, 2024.

During the launch, Robert Musiitwa, the public relations officer at UNCC, explained that the exhibition aims to provide a platform for visual artists to express themselves and initiate discussions on issues affecting women.

The exhibition features the work of three artists: Wamala Nyanzi, Joan Namaggwa, and Axum Kigozi, whose creations depict women in various dimensions from birth to parenthood.

Nyanzi's print art pieces such as Tulumba, Market Day, and Root to Marriage portray the daily struggles of women and the roles they play within families.

Namaggwa’s oil on canvas pieces, largely inspired by aquatic life, depict women as mothers and the origin of life. Her works, including The Heart of a Mother, Birth of Life, Fruit of the Womb, Beginning of Creation, and Careful Guardian,  illustrate these themes.

Kigozi’s artworks, crafted from stones, depict women as strong burden carriers capable of withstanding every type of situation, regardless of time, age, and the severity of challenges.

His rough, tough, and weighty paintings such as Forgotten Beauty, Thought That Fills My Mind, Motherhood Games and Out of the Picture emphasise the strength and resilience of women.

In an interview with New Vision, Wamala shared that he was inspired by the collaborative relationship of his parents in their daily lives, which facilitated their mutual success.

“I used to see how my mother accompanied my father when he was going to work every morning and when he was returning. She would carry some of the items he needed, which really touched my heart,” he expressed.

The guest of honour, Phina Mugerwa, also known as Phina Masanyalaze, the vice-chairperson of the board of trustees of UNCC, praised the artists for accurately depicting the experiences of women.

“It's amazing how these young people perfectly portray women, despite never having been one. I especially love how Joan Namaggwa shows that the baby is close to the woman's heart, yet she has never conceived,” she remarked.

Mugerwa also encouraged creatives to leverage their talents rather than seeking traditional employment, applauding the exhibited artists for doing just that.

The event saw attendance from numerous dignitaries, including members of UNCC, representatives from the Uganda Visual Artists Association, members of the National Culture Forum, and more.