Local artist art exhibition This Weekend
Group Show at Bumu Art gallery
Through the interrogation of social cultural aspects of everyday life, the artists contribute to the conservation and preservation of respective communities’ social-cultural heritage. ART | DOMINIC MUWANGUZI | Whenever there’s a conversation on social- cultural heritage and conservation, it is very difficult to exclude artists in this dialogue. Artists through their productions interrogate and explore social- … The post Group Show at Bumu Art gallery appeared first on The Independent Uganda:.
ART | DOMINIC MUWANGUZI
Whenever there’s a conversation on social-cultural heritage and conservation, it is very difficult to exclude artists in this dialogue.
Artists, through their productions, interrogate and explore social-cultural aspects of everyday life and as such, contribute to the conservation of respective communities’ social-cultural heritage. An ongoing group exhibition featuring five contemporary Ugandan artists at Bumu Art Gallery echoes this experience. The artwork on display is an exploration of the day-to-day experiences of the artists inspired by what they encounter in their immediate communities. These routine engagements like child games, traders in the markets, women draped elegantly in African fabrics and embroidery, and mobile motorcycles (boda-boda) laden with goods and passengers, captured on different surfaces are a reflection of the ever-evolving social-cultural landscape in Uganda, especially Buganda, which is the epicenter of many economic social activities.
The Woodcut Prints of Yiga Robert
The woodcut prints by Yiga Robert offer a social commentary on the social life of many Ugandans. The artist’s vibrant and colourful artworks depict the typical hustle and bustle lifestyle of many urbanites. Sometimes, the artist will portray the rural scenery in his artwork with its lush vegetation and citizenry engrossed in brisk occupations like trade in the village markets or fishing. His figures emerge in caricature form to inject a humorous atmosphere to these often hectic and tiresome activities. This technique ignites a sense of ease in the work that contributes to its different interpretations and appeals to diverse audiences.
The Assemblages of Yakuze Ivan
Conversely, Yakuze Ivan’s assemblages hanging in the gallery interrogate the subject of environmental conservation and sustainability. The artist primarily works with barkcloth not only for its aesthetic value but also to instigate conversations around nature conservation through sustainable approaches. Barkcloth (Olubugo) is a major fabric in Buganda dating back many centuries, harvested from the barkcloth tree (Omutuba). In Buganda, the Otter clan (Egonge) is assigned with the duty to preserve this tropical tree through crafting fabric from it (Okukomaga). More so, the artist constructs deep meaningful conversations on individuals’ personalities and identity by working with found materials, mainly aluminum household objects.
The Expressionistic Work of Lydia Matovu
The work of Lydia Matovu is an expressionistic and poignant depiction of African women living in contemporary society. The figures are elegantly dressed in African fabrics and embroidery, with small pots mounted on their heads as a figurative representation of the different roles they perform in society. Equally, the artist depicts them moving as a group and not individually to illustrate the communal social-cultural wellbeing of women in many African communities. It is common to see women walking to the market, gardens, or village streams in groups as a gesture of their togetherness. This trait is also visible during festivities where women come together to entertain and prepare food for the guests.
Through these collages, the artist also delicately builds conversations on the subject of women’s identity, which is a regular topic in contemporary arts. The bright palette of the artist and the graceful composition of the female figures on canvas insinuate their undisputable central role in society. In spite of the many stereotypes faced by women traditionally, their position as mothers and providers of households cannot be questioned.
Celebrating and Documenting Social-Cultural Heritage
Through the interrogation of these social-cultural themes, these artists are both celebrating and documenting their communities’ respective cultural heritage. Their showcasing at an art gallery whose major objective is to preserve and restore Buganda’s cultural heritage is spot on. This is critical in this era where many cultures across the continent are increasingly being compromised by the concept of globalization. In this, this exhibition also provides opportunities to create awareness of cultural identity, within the context of using the creative arts to engage and educate the public on the importance of culture in our everyday lives. Luckily, the five artists in this exhibition have already embarked on this journey through their work, which is filled with social-cultural imagery and meaning.
Bumu Art Gallery
Bumu Art Gallery is found within the Buganda Heritage and Tourism Board premises, located next to Butikiiro Building in Mengo. The group exhibition features works by Yakuze Ivan, Kalungi Godfrey, Lydia Matovu, and Kakinda Fred. The show is curated by Lyton Hillary, an independent art curator living and working in Kampala.
Rancho Santa Fe resident and artist Jay Johansen has achieved a significant milestone in his illustrious career, earning the coveted “Best of the Best” award in the 14th Annual “Open” Online Art Exhibition held by Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery. The global competition, celebrated for showcasing some of the world’s most exceptional 2D […]
Rancho Santa Fe Artist Jay Johansen Wins “Best of the Best” Award
Rancho Santa Fe resident and artist Jay Johansen has achieved a significant milestone in his illustrious career, earning the coveted “Best of the Best” award in the 14th Annual “Open” Online Art Exhibition held by Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery. The global competition, celebrated for showcasing some of the world’s most exceptional 2D and 3D art, saw an impressive turnout this year, with 515 entries from 20 countries across the globe and 27 U.S. states, as well as the District of Columbia, according to a news release.
The November 2024 exhibition challenged artists to interpret the theme “Open” through both representational and abstract art forms. Submissions were divided into three media categories, culminating in an elite group of 12 overall winners honored as the “Best of the Best,” selected from all media categories. Johansen’s remarkable work stood out among these exceptional entries, earning him the top accolade and solidifying his status as a master of his craft, the news release stated.
“Receiving this recognition is both humbling and exhilarating,” said Johansen in the news release. “The sheer talent displayed in this competition is extraordinary, and to be recognized as the ‘Best of the Best’ among such incredible artists is an honor I deeply cherish.”
Many of the honorees in these categories produced works that could have easily competed in the upper echelon of the competition, illustrating the unparalleled quality and innovation on display this year.
Johansen’s award-winning entry captivated audiences and judges alike, a testament to his dedication, vision, and the emotive power his art commands. This recognition further cements his reputation as an influential figure in the contemporary art world, inspiring art lovers and collectors globally, the news release stated.
Johansen is an acclaimed portrait artist known for his ability to blend emotion, vivid imagery, and dynamic interpretation. With a career spanning decades and an international following, his works are featured in prominent galleries across Carmel, Maui, Las Vegas, Palm Desert, and Solana Beach, according to the news release.
Learn more about the competition and its winners at www.lightspacetime.art/open-art-exhibition-november-2024/
To learn more about Johansen visit www.johansenfineart.com
News Release Salt of the Earth Tattoo Hosts Inaugural Art Exhibition ‘Divine Feminine’ This WeekendSalt of the Earth Tattoo is set to host its first art exhibition, titled "Divine Feminine," featuring the works of three female artists: Kristin Forbes-Mullane, Amy Gibbs, and M. Lyn. The exhibition will take place on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 7 p.m. at 5600 Dronningens Gade, next to Glady’s Café in downtown St. Thomas.
Salt of the Earth Tattoo Hosts "Divine Feminine" Art Exhibition
Salt of the Earth Tattoo is set to host its first art exhibition, titled “Divine Feminine,” featuring the works of three female artists: Kristin Forbes-Mullane, Amy Gibbs, and M. Lyn. The exhibition will take place on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 7 p.m. at 5600 Dronningens Gade, next to Glady’s Café in downtown St. Thomas.
This event marks a new phase for Salt of the Earth Tattoo as it expands its focus from custom tattoo work to fine art exhibitions. “Divine Feminine” aims to highlight the diversity and individuality of the showcased artists, with each contributing her distinctive style. The exhibition will include both recent and past works, allowing art lovers to view pieces that have not been publicly displayed before, according to the press release.
The team at Salt of the Earth Tattoo expressed their enthusiasm for the event, noting, “We’re excited about this show, as it provides us the opportunity to highlight the talents of three women who are making significant contributions to the art community here in the Virgin Islands.”
The theme “Divine Feminine” represents the artists’ shared experiences as women and emphasizes their unique perspectives rather than conformity to a single concept. This approach is intended to create an engaging experience for all visitors, the press release stated.
Refreshments will be offered by Rum Island Pub, making the event a social highlight on St. Thomas.
“Divine Feminine” is part of a larger movement to introduce fine art into non-traditional spaces, seeking to enhance the local art scene. Salt of the Earth Tattoo is pleased to play a role in this initiative by merging tattoo artistry with fine art to reach a wider audience, the release stated.
For more information, contact Salt of the Earth Tattoo at contact@saltoftheearthtattoo.com, visit saltoftheearthtattoo.com, or call 602-541-1165.
Source staff
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