Art Exhibit: Culture of Uganda

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Is art an effective tool with which to change social attitudes? The answer depends upon how you see the art work at which you are looking. So says a recent review in New Vision online. Very little will change if all you see are the pictures but much more is possible if you look beyond what is hanging on the wall.

An exhibit opened at the Nommo Gallery on July 31. The exhibit houses the work of eight Ugandan artists Joseph Mugisha, Maria Naita, Fred Mutebi, John Mary Mukiza, Godfrey Banadda, David Kigozi, Jacob Odama and Franco Owendogambi.

The exhibit is titled Cultures of Uganda and aims at raising cultural awareness in a society that is gradually losing a firm grasp on its cultural roots.

Perhaps there is a message here that we in North America should listen to?

The exhibit focuses on the cultural peculiarities of Ugandans; each subject matter is developed around the different cultural practices of different Ugandan tribes. The dances, dress code, domestic activities, and the deep-seated spiritual, and social values that define Ugandans, are the artists’ subjects.

There is only one woman, Maria Naita, represented in this show, perhaps the theme would have been better served with a wider representation. However, for anyone who is seeking some insight into the cultural of Uganda, this exhibit is a good beginning place.