Look one edition 2
Look One group exhibition is annual group exhibition organized by Xenson art space. This year we will be showcasing works of five sensational and enthusiastic emerging artists and it will be the second edition as the first edition was held in 2020. The objective of Look One group exhibition is to give young and emerging artists an opportunity to exhibit a body of their works in a professional way in an art gallery for the very first time and be able to kick start their art career. Each artist has a distinct and profound story to share through their art forms. This will be the first professional exhibition for each of the artists giving us the opportunity to be the first to experience their work and support them. For this year’s selection, we have a unique blend of artists from different backgrounds and this is seen through their work as they share their experiences in relation with their immediate communities. The artists were selected through an open call that was put out in December 2021.
Surfacing group exhibition
SURFACING elevates 12 emerging women artists based in Khartoum, Nairobi, and Kampala. The exhibition features 27 paintings exploring diverse themes and styles including nature and landscapes, portraiture, figurative, women’s rights and empowerment, social behavior, and identity. Using oil, acrylic, and mixed media on canvas, the artists are inspired by their surroundings. They combine impressionism, abstract, and figurative painting styles with authentic cultural narratives that invite you into East Africa in a spectacular way. The aim is not only to empower and promote talented East African women artists to a broader audience but also to spotlight some of the incredible female talents from East Africa that are on the verge of success. CURATED BY THADDE TEWA (TEWASART GALLERY, NAIROBI)
Shadow of the Dinka
Tindi Ronnie Chris, a Ugandan visual artist and painter, is currently working on a mixed-medium collage series at his studio, Tindi colours. Using Kitenge fabrics and other materials, Tindi explores the theme of the Dinka people and their cultural heritage. The Dinka are a Nilotic ethnic group from South Sudan, known for their distinctive body art, scarification, and tall, slender physiques. Tindi’s art work captures the essence of Dinka culture and identity, while also delving into the shadows and complexities of their history and contemporary challenges. Through his use of vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and layered textures, Tindi creates a visual narrative that celebrates the beauty and resilience of the Dinka people, while also shedding light on their struggles with displacement, conflict, and discrimination. The Shadow of the Dinka series invites viewers to engage with a rich and nuanced portrayal of a culture that is often overlooked or misunderstood. Tindi’s art reminds us of the power of creativity to bridge gaps, promote empathy, and inspire positive change. PAINT A SHADOW OF A DINKA “I chose to paint the Dinka because their culture and way of life fascinate me. Their strong sense of community, their cattle herding traditions, and their intricate body scarification patterns are all visually compelling and rich in symbolism. I believe that by painting the Dinka, I can celebrate their heritage and raise awareness about their way of life.” “I have always been drawn to the beauty of human diversity, and the Dinka people are a perfect example of that. Their tall, slender physiques, their elaborate hairstyles, and their colorful clothing are all elements that I find visually striking. By painting the Dinka, I hope to showcase their unique aesthetic and challenge people’s preconceptions about what is considered beautiful.” “The Dinka people have a rich history of resilience and survival in the face of adversity. They have endured years of civil war, displacement, and environmental challenges, yet they have managed to preserve their culture and traditions. As an artist, I find their story inspiring and worth telling. By painting the Dinka, I hope to honor their struggles and highlight their strength”
Klaus Holderbaum collection
Ambassador Klaus (rtd) is a lawyer, academician, diplomat, foreign and public service officer. He was born on 14th November 1938 in Berlin. Mr Klaus Holderbaumok, served in the Germany diplomatic service for 33 years, with a 22 years’ experience in sub Saharan Africa. Uganda was his last post when he retired in 2003 and made it his retirement home. His first African assignment was in Lusaka Zambia where he served as the Deputy Head of Mission and First Secretary from 1974 to 1977. He returned to the Foreign Service Office in Bonn in 1977 where he served at the Africa Department from till 1980. He returned to Africa in 1980 and served at the German Embassy in Abijah, Ivory Coast as the Deputy Head of Mission and Counsellor for four years. He returned to Foreign Office Bonn in 1983 and served in the Political Department as the Deputy Head of Division. Between 1986 and 1991 he was the, German Ambassador in Bamako, Mali. He returned to Foreign Office Bonn in 1991 and served as the Head of the Division for Humanitarian Aid and lecturer for Humanitarian Assistance at the University of Bochum till 1995 when he returned to Africa and served as the German Ambassador in Yaoundé, Cameroon. During the same period, he was also accredited to Equatorial Guinea, Chad and Central Africa Republic. Mr. Klaus Holderbaum’s last Ambassadorial service was in Uganda from 1999 to June2003 when he retired from Foreign Service and decided to live permanently in Uganda Since July 2003, he has worked as an Independent Consultant, Advisor and served as a member of the Board of Director of various organizations including the Ministry of Tourism Trade and Industries, United Assurance, Gauff Engineers, Board of Director, Nnabagereka Development Foundation, QNet Ltd, Board of Trustees Duke of Edinburgh Award (U), Vice chairperson – save the street children Uganda, Member of Skal club Kampala chapter and oktoberfest. Directly or indirectly, Mr HolderBaum helped shape art history in Uganda; by recognizing the value of what artists bring to their communities, he was able to ignite artist interest and allowed artists to evolve and create more value. The exhibition helps us understand these historical artworks, their influence on society and their collective social, cultural and political context. The exhibition provides evidence and insight into the collection’s significance and instigates dialogue among artists, Art historians and the audience. During his stay work and stay in Uganda, he has contributed immensely to the growth of the arts and culture industry by supporting Ugandan artists and the different arts programs. He is a representation of a historical friendship between German and Uganda, given his role as the senior presidential advisor on Trade and Tourism to the president of Uganda, a symbol of the economic and cultural development opportunities for both countries. This collection reflects the preservation of African Art history and the evolution of art, given that most of the artists in his collection, are now grown and evolved in their practice over the years. We hope this exhibition inspires the next generation of passionate art collectors to not only, collect art but also showcase their future collections
Colours Speak on Canvas
Kintu Paul’s artistic journey is deeply rooted in his upbringing, where he was immersed in a creative environment. His passion for art began with the simple act of tracing his own shadow on the ground and crafting colorful abstract compositions by pressing flowers onto paper. These early experiences have shaped his artistic identity. Primarily working with acrylic paint on canvas, Kintu draws inspiration from his everyday life and childhood memories, especially his strong connection to flowers. His compositions reflect personal narratives while being contextualized for contemporary audiences Colours Speak on canvas Embrace the beauty, find your own narratives, and let the canvases whisper tales that will stay with you long after you leave this enchanting exhibition. With a masterful stroke of the brush, Kintu Paul employs a dazzling array of bright colour palettes that vividly capture the luminous essence of existence. Each stroke is a testament to the artist’s desire to explore the brighter side of life, inviting viewers to revel in the kaleidoscope of emotions and experiences painted on the canvas. As the canvas unfolds, the artist skillfully incorporates whites to symbolise the soft glow of moonlight, an unconditional treasure bestowed upon us by a benevolent creator. These celestial strokes of white guide us through random night lights, inviting contemplation on the mystical beauty that graces our world when the sun retires. Amidst the spectrum of Colours, yellows take center stage, paying homage to the light influence of the divine sun—a blessing not only to Uganda but to the entirety of our shared global home. The golden hues beckon us to acknowledge the profound impact of this celestial body, infusing warmth and vitality into our everyday lives. Kintu Paul’s total abstract style adds an extra layer of intrigue to the exhibition. Within the seemingly chaotic yet purposeful strokes, meanings emerge. These intricate patterns could signify roadmaps, settlements, or the ebb and flow of day-to-day life. They may bridge the earthly plane with celestial realms, inviting viewers to discern connections between people, places, and the cosmic order. In essence, “COLOURS SPEAK ON CANVAS” is not merely an exhibition; it’s a journey. Kintu Paul’s paintings are gateways to interpretation, where every observer becomes a storyteller, unravelling the rich tapestry of meanings woven into the artwork. As you immerse yourself in this artistic odyssey, may you discover the profound beauty that lies within the fusion of colour and canvas—a beauty that transcends boundaries and speaks to the very essence of our shared human experience
Look one – 3rd Edition
Look One group exhibition is an annual group exhibition organized by Xenson art space. This year we will be showcasing works of five sensational and enthusiastic emerging artists and it will be the third edition as the first edition was held in 2020. The objective of Look One group exhibition is to give young and emerging artists an opportunity to exhibit a body of their works in a professional way in an art gallery for the very first time and be able to kick start their art career. Each artist has a distinct and profound story to share through their art forms. This will be the first professional exhibition for each of the artists giving us the opportunity to be the first to experience their work and support them.
Olugambo (Gossip) Exhibition
Olugambo (Gossip) is defined as the exchange of information with evaluative content about absent third parties, an activity in which many people frequently engage. Much of the gossip emanates from drastic changes in our economic constraints some of which have roots in the covid-19 epidemic, HIV/AIDS pandemic. Gossip is a habit that is engraved within our human psyche. It is an integral part of our lives. Informal evaluative talk about absent third parties and usually about other people’s business, social life. Though, it is frowned upon, and often even condemned, in cultures around the world. Gossip can be means of social connection beyond its typical negative connotations for example: Helps you build bonds and make friends. The act of talking to someone else can help build trust. Or it can suggest those that aren’t to be trusted and should be avoided Gossiping can reduce stress and relieve anxiety. If u are stressed, worried, or annoyed about a situation, let those feelings through a neighbor, friend or colleague. Dr. Lilian Mary Nabulime uses the sculptures developed to address this insidious behavior using sarcastic figurines in a series of terracotta and wood sculptures mostly consisting of female figures that are passionately lost in the act of gossip. This is evidenced in their facial expressions and body language. The sculptures are reduced to faces seated on simplified body forms wrought in slabs. The figures are fashioned to such effect that they strike a theatrical countenance of characters in a comedy. The faces are animated with exaggerated emotions, perhaps telling of the very overstatement that characters employ while gossiping about others in real life.
Look One – Edition 1
Look One group exhibition is showcasing the works of five phenomenal emerging young artists. Each artist has a distinct and profound story to share through their art forms. This will be the first exhibition for each of the artists giving us the opportunity to be the first to experience their work.
Hidden Beauty 2022
As part of the Moving Identities Festival in May 2022, the Alliance Française de Kampala and the Goethe Zentrum Kampala/ UGCS joined forces to organise a three-day painting workshop in the Nakivale refugee camp. During this workshop, the refugees were accompanied by two painters to create their paintings. The aim of this exhibition is to show another image of the people living in refugee camps. These works tell stories of family, courage and struggle, which are sublimated by the artist’s practice. This exhibition allows us to see how we can change our history through art. Most of the artists were painting their own stories. This workshop was also aimed to give them hope that they can do something with their talent and they may be able to make a living from their art.
The Passport Exhibition
The passport exhibition explores the plight of young people especially girls; looking for green pastures out of their countries and end up in the snares of human trafficking. Human trafficking in Uganda and across the world is a vice that is going on and is hardly given enough attention. Artists; Katesi Jacqueline and Kasirisimbi Tadeo through their works share the stories, plight and experiences of this trade and its victims. Human trafficking especially child trafficking in Uganda has been significantly griming; organized through unofficial networks of relatives, friend, neighbors, parents and village mates even though total strangers are also involved in the practice. Recent report by Save the Children in 2006 and ILO /IPEC, 2007 have shown that this heinous crime is still going on behind our doors and many people appear to be Un-informed about the extent of the Vice. There is no doubt that children, women and young men are trafficked for various reasons and many are involved in hazardous forms of labor including commercial sex, domestic labor, commercial agriculture, fishing, mining, armed conflict, drug trafficking and urban informal sector. Some are trafficked under the guise of better jobs in other countries. Through the exhibition, the artistes aim at creating Awareness/ Sensitizing the public about the vice of human trafficking which is next door to all of us and create dialogue around the subject.