Ugandan artists in a show of diversity

Paintings by Joshua Ipoot. PHOTO/Mary Kansiime

By Stephen Ssenkaaba

This has been a bumper season for some art galleries and thanks to the Christmas mood, a good many art collectors and lovers have found themselves some really nice Ugandan art.

Afriart today has got an exciting exhibition in which Uganda’s leading artists are showcasing some of their work.

And even though most of it has been lying around the gallery- the eclectic nature of what is on display is exciting to watch not only because it has most of Uganda’s leading painters all in exhibiting in one hall. It also is a rich collection of ideas, influences and expressions.

Over 30 artists- mostly painters have their work up for display in this sort of fill-in show that started in the second week of December and will go on until the third week of January.

From Taga Nuwagaba’s captivating realism to Joshua Ipoot’s surreal depictions of women, to Dr. George Kyeyune’s ordinary life scenes, the artists here point the viewer into the various aspects of Ugandan society.

Whether it is men and women going about their daily activities as in Kyeyune’s thick colours, whether it is scenes of a busy street as in Hoods Juuko and Ismael Kateregga’ s painting, whether it is modern day political and social trends as in Paul Ndema’s pop-art inspired images, the artists here bring home a very familiar message; of the daily struggles of ordinary Ugandans; of the cultural definitions of our society and of the trappings of modern life afflicting us.

The Christmas exhibition at AfroArt gallery in Kamwokya. PHOTO/Maria Kansiime
 

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Dancing Cranes by Mutebi Fred (left) and Ibrahim Nsubuga's Impact oFlowers and Studio Laurette. PHOTO/Mary Kansiime

To the indigenous admirer, this exhibition puts a dramatic touch to daily life.

To the expatriate lover of the visual arts, it offers an artistic sneak peek into life in Uganda- the cultural- as Taga Nuwagaba ably shows- the socio-political as Ndema shows, the economic as Hoods Juuko indicates and everything that makes this society a unique and lovely place to be. It is little wonder then that this art sale has done considerably well.

Rebecca Akoth, the gallery assistant says the art on display has been well received and many people- especially those on holiday from abroad have bought themselves memorable pieces.

The exhibit blends experienced artists like Maria Naita, Taga and others with their younger counterparts- new university graduates like Farid Mahmud- to tap into varying presentations and influences.

This exhibition will lead the way to yet another interesting show to begin mid-January in which Karamoja based painter Joshua Ipoot showcases some of his latest works. He is one artist that many would love to watch.

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Monday Morning by Jjuuko Hoods. PHOTO/Mary Kansiime