Rock art
The first rock art site was discovered in 1945 at Nyero, 250 km from the capital. Its paintings, dated to 1250 B.C., are an example of the use of the red pigment widely used in Africa. The concentric circle is probably the most common motif. However, the superimposed designs suggest that rarer geometric patterns date from different periods. At Nyero, six boats can be distinguished, one of which is 2.5 metres long. The chromatic palette is strongly dominated by red, white, and their derivatives.
Ugandan rock art sites are concentrated in the east of the country, in the districts of Kumi, Pallisa and Kaberamaido. The origins of rock art have not yet been identified, but archaeologist Catherine Namono is the first Ugandan specialist to devote herself to the study of this field
In this fashion-conscious country, the technique of barkcloth has its roots in prehistoric tradition. Developed before the invention of weaving, it was used to make the traditional garment, a toga tightened by a wide belt. The inner bark of the Ficus natalensis is beaten for a long time to obtain a soft and fine texture. Until the arrival of cotton fabrics, brought by Arab merchants in the 19th century, each village had its own manufacturing workshop
Ochre coloured for the people, it was dyed white or black for the kings and chiefs. For some years now, its manufacture has been encouraged so much so that young stylists are giving it pride of place.
Opening to the international scene
The sculptor John Odoch Ameny, born in Lira in 1948, is undoubtedly one of the best known Ugandan artists abroad. His works, inspired by the Nilotic tribes of the north of the country, are made from recycled materials and metal parts (bolts, bicycle chains, etc.). He also works with wood. His expressive figures evoke deconstructed nudes with insect-like limbs. His stone sculptures tend towards abstraction, and more and more refined forms. John Odoch Ameny's sculptures have entered collections in Asia, Europe and the United States (Museum der Weltkulturen, Frankfurt/Main and Kunst Transit Berlin).
The paintings of Geoffrey Mukasa (1954-2009) adorn the walls of museums and private collections in Europe, America and Africa. Maria Naita, Phillip Wacha and Ibrahim Kitimbo are among the Ugandan contemporary artists who enjoy the greatest reputation among art dealers and gallery owners.
Photographic art
Among the younger generation, two artists undertake to transmit an image of their countries by photographing Ugandans. Sarah Waiswa creates posed, close-up portraits that probe the soul of her models. Her series Stranger in a familiar land
won her the Discovery Award at the Rencontres de la photographie d'Arles in 2016. In this series she addresses the persecution of albinos in Uganda. More generally, she explores the identity of the African continent through her lens, particularly that of the new generation.Esther Ruth Mbabazi, a Ugandan photographer and documentary filmmaker, was born in 1995 into a modest background. Through her work, she aims to capture the changes affecting the African continent in all aspects of daily life. She attaches particular importance to the conditions of life in rural areas and among minorities. Based in Kampala, Esther Ruth Mbabazi is a contributor to major international magazines such as National Geographic
, and also works for NGOs. She is also a fellow of the Magnum Foundation. Mbabazi's photographs have been published by such leading magazines as The New YorkTimes, TIME Magazine, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Slate and El Pais.Afri-Cans street art festival
The fledgling two-day Afri-Cans festival is taking place in Kampala. The 2018 edition took place at Kitintale skatepark in the working class suburb of the capital. The festival brings together the underprivileged population and artists from the street culture. Music, dance, visual arts come together to celebrate joy. To the sound of hip-hop, the residents see their walls transformed into works of art and temporarily forget the difficulties of their daily lives
The festival now attracts graffiti artists from Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Zambia, as well as Canada and Europe. The event, which gives people hope through creative energy, was founded by Sparrow, a breakdancer, photographer and graffiti artist. The last edition, with the theme "Celebrating Women", featured Chela Chela and Braine (Kenya) Teddy Shakes (Kenya) Naitwasalma (Tanzania) Ngabonziza Bonfils (Rwanda). Uganda was represented by graffiti artists Rawdney Kiggundu, Doddridge Besyngie, Sparrow and Odur
Contemporary art
Among Ugandan galleries,Afriart Gallery stands out for the quality of its choices. Founded in 2002 by Daudi Karungi, it has established itself in the contemporary African art market. The gallery is run by an experienced artist who is sensitive to the challenges of an artistic career and supports his protégés in the manner of a mentor. The artists represented by Afriart have the opportunity to exhibit in museums, biennials, fairs and international galleries in London, Cape Town, such as the Abu Dhabi Art fair, or ArtX Lago
All forms of artistic expression are appreciated, especially sculpture. Richard Atugonza, born in 1994, trained in sculpture and photography at the University of Kampala. He worked as a craftsman before landing an artist residency. On this occasion, he developed his series Imperfection perfections, which gathers portraits sculpted in unusual materials, plastic bottles or coal
Sungi Mlengeya is a self-taught painter born in 1991. She paints figures in acrylics in dark minimalist shades, with a focus on women: their struggles, their achievements and their place in today's society. One thing is certain: women count on the Ugandan art scene
