Celebrating Ugandan art in the US

Jun 24, 2011

AMBASSADOR, teacher, artist, even culturist — he is all that. Whatever promotes Ugandan culture through art, Nuwa Wamala Nnyanzi does with a passion. His passion has taken him to the US on a tour to promote Ugandan art and culture.

By Stephen Ssenkaaba
AMBASSADOR, teacher, artist, even culturist — he is all that. Whatever promotes Ugandan culture through art, Nuwa Wamala Nnyanzi does with a passion. His passion has taken him to the US on a tour to promote Ugandan art and culture.

During his tour he has also held talks and batik workshops at different universities, museums and art centres. Nnyanzi is on a campaign to demystify Africa and Uganda through art.

The artist observes that while Ugandan cultural heritage is abundantly available, not much of it is known and appreciated outside national boundaries, just like African art.

After visiting galleries in Nashville, the batik artist observes that “although they have many books on art, African art is lacking. African paintings are as rare as an oasis in the desert.”

Nnyanzi’s art is one that touches people’s hearts — intense, emotive images depicting the life of Uganda and its people in a largely traditional setting. His work, which is characteristically multi-coloured, blending bright and deep subdued hues, captures emotions through poignant human faces, astute rhythm and intricate geometric patterns that reek of early 20th century cubism.

Nnyanzi’s work is a joy to look at but also a great life lesson for its powerful resonance with ordinary life. Nnyanzi will finally hold an exhibit at the 2011 Art and All That Jazz Festival in Burnsville, where only a few carefully selected artists participate.

The festival celebrates world cultures through art.

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