Gwoktcho redefines African artworks
May 20, 2004
If there ever was a revolution in African art, Stephen Gwoktcho is at its forefront. In his exhibition at Afriart Gallery at the UMA show grounds in Lugogo, Gwoktcho redefines African art from a forgotten to a contemporary mode of expression.
If there ever was a revolution in African art, Stephen Gwoktcho is at its forefront. In his exhibition at Afriart Gallery at the UMA show grounds in Lugogo, Gwoktcho redefines African art from a forgotten to a contemporary mode of expression.
He has named his one-month exhibition African pride to portray Africa as a land of life, a rich and diverse cultures. It is Gwoktcho’s ability to harness ancient African art forms with modern artistic expressionism that makes his works stand out.
His works depict ancient African faces typical of West African art and images of women. He seems to pay much attention to African values like child naming, love, war and kingship. His mixture of acrylics and oil colour on canvas presents a well thought-out colour scheme balanced between the striking and laid back hues.
His use of striking colours, especially red, creates a lively mood that is typical of African life, while the dim hues, especially blues, create the much-needed contrast.
Gwoktcho’s works also presents an insight into the persona of this experienced and celebrated artist. His casual appearance in a blue-checkered short-sleeved shirt, a pair of khaki trousers and black open shoes, and his relaxed controlled tone of voice point to his love for colour, lively subjects and freedom of expression.
His creativity comes out best through his use of patterns and intricate lines that create form and variations to his otherwise “active†works.
His use of collage in form of sacks and other foreign material go a long way in breaking monotony. His sudden turn around to abstract painting brings out his versatility and willingness to experiment with other forms and styles.
A lecturer at the School of Industrial and Fine Arts, Gwoktcho’s greatest strength has been the adornment of Kampala Pentecostal Church with his creative works.
He has named his one-month exhibition African pride to portray Africa as a land of life, a rich and diverse cultures. It is Gwoktcho’s ability to harness ancient African art forms with modern artistic expressionism that makes his works stand out.
His works depict ancient African faces typical of West African art and images of women. He seems to pay much attention to African values like child naming, love, war and kingship. His mixture of acrylics and oil colour on canvas presents a well thought-out colour scheme balanced between the striking and laid back hues.
His use of striking colours, especially red, creates a lively mood that is typical of African life, while the dim hues, especially blues, create the much-needed contrast.
Gwoktcho’s works also presents an insight into the persona of this experienced and celebrated artist. His casual appearance in a blue-checkered short-sleeved shirt, a pair of khaki trousers and black open shoes, and his relaxed controlled tone of voice point to his love for colour, lively subjects and freedom of expression.
His creativity comes out best through his use of patterns and intricate lines that create form and variations to his otherwise “active†works.
His use of collage in form of sacks and other foreign material go a long way in breaking monotony. His sudden turn around to abstract painting brings out his versatility and willingness to experiment with other forms and styles.
A lecturer at the School of Industrial and Fine Arts, Gwoktcho’s greatest strength has been the adornment of Kampala Pentecostal Church with his creative works.