Otim’s African art

Jan 29, 2007

FOR an industry so crippled with tired ideas, duplication and western idealism, a showcase of anything original, especially based on African traditional concepts, is a move in the right direction.

FOR an industry so crippled with tired ideas, duplication and western idealism, a showcase of anything original, especially based on African traditional concepts, is a move in the right direction.

So, here is a man who thinks he can revive African art on the modern Ugandan scene and perhaps restore the much-needed creativity. His name is Peter Otim. He is a versatile artist — a ceramist, interior designer, painter, collector and most recently, a curator.
Otim’s mission is to redefine African art — to clothe its traditional body into a more contemporary cloak. Just how far can he go to realise his mission?

“We are having a fresh take on African art. We are bringing back our own traditional artefacts, reproducing them and displaying them in modern style…,” he says.

Two weeks ago, Otim re-opened what used to be Wagadugu in Kamwokya. He has upgraded it into a modern bar and restaurant and, as the main feature, an art gallery showcasing contemporary African art.

Peter Otim Designs and Studio comprises a huge collection of some of Africa’s most exquisite artefacts.

From the famous Adinkra designs from Ghana and Ivory Coast to the much-revered Korhogo art designs from Ivory Coast, to the fertility dolls and Kuba patterns from modern Democratic Republic of Congo, this gallery presents some of Africa’s most cherished, yet forgotten cultures through historical images.

From the ancient expressive patterns of Egyptian tradition, to the intricate designs from Zimbabwe, Otim’s work embraces the rich cultural heritage of Africa, presented in a more contemporary style.
They may have had spiritual and social connotations then, but today, these artefacts represent the resurgence of traditional African art in the modern world.

The work on display is a multi-genre and multi-media display, which includes beautifully moulded clay pots adorned in various colours and patterns, paintings and pieces of furniture in wrought iron.

On display too are paintings and other works from upcoming artists. “We would like to encourage young talent, so we welcome all young artists to bring their work here,” Otim urges.

Peter Otim Designs and Studios promises a better approach to marketing and producing Ugandan art.

We hope he lives up to the billing. We would also like to have in there as much Ugandan and East African-inspired cultural images as there are from other parts of Africa.

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