Afriart Gallery Explained

The Afriart Gallery (AAG) is an art gallery located on the 7th Street Industrial Area in Kampala in Uganda that was established in 2002.^{[1] [2]} It represents and manages careers of contemporary artists living and working on the African continent. AAG showcases artists at major international art exhibitions and art fairs. There is a gallery space exhibiting temporary exhibitions on ground.^{[3] [4] [5]} It is where the launch for the Artfest magazine happened.^[6]

History

Afriart Gallery (AAG) was founded in November 2002 by Daudi Karungi ^{[7] [3] [8] [9] [10] [11]} Afriart Gallery was opened at Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) show grounds in Lugogo. Its first solo exhibition was Paul Ndema on 4 April 2003.^[12] In 2009, AAG was moved to its second location on Kenneth dale drive in Kamwokya.^[13] In 2017, AAG moved to its third location in the industrial area of Kampala in a ware house that covers 300 square meteres by 6 metres high.^[14]

Afriart Gallery participated and also showcased in international art exhibitions and fairs such as Art X Lagos from 1 to 2 November 2019,^[15] Art Paris 2023 from 30 March 2023 to 2 April 2023,^[16] 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair London and New York, ARCOlisboa, Art Basel in Miami Beach,^{[17] [18]} and Joburg Art Fair 2016.^[19]

Collections

AAG's art collection covers different disciplines such as;

• Abstract art: Works for Karungi were exhibited^[20]
• Photography: AAG exhibited the works of late Deo Kyakulagira (died 2000) under the exhibition that was named "Ebifaananyi".^[21]
• Contemporary art: such as works of Sungi Mlengeya ^[22]

Artists represented by AAG

AAG represents the careers of the following artists: Sanaa Gateja, Sungi Mlengeya, Henry Mzil' Mujunga, Richard Atugonza,^{[23] [24]} Charlene Komuntale,^[25] Mona Taha, Emmie Nume, April Kamunde, Kaleab Abate.

Artists affiliated to AAG

AAG has worked with several artists including Stacey Gillian Abe, Pamela Acaye, Collin Sekajugo, Abushariaa Ahmed, Ethel Aanyu, Wasswa Donald aka WASWAD, Edison Mugalu,^[26] Eria Nsubuga 'Sane', Xenson, Ronex Ahimbisibwe,^[27] Hood Jjuuko,^[28] Enoch Mukiibi, Ismael Kateregga,^[29] Joshua Ipoot,^[30] Kigozi,^[31] Dr George Kyeyune,^[32] Fred Mutebi,^[33] Amna Elhassan, Khalid Abdel Rahman, Amani Azhari,^[34] Nelsa Guambe, Boniface Maina, Lemek Sompoika, Elisa Mung’ora, Paul Onditi, Peterson Kamwathi, Florence Wangui, Onyis Martin.

Projects

Silhouette Projects - Artist in Residence Programme (SP-AIR)

This is a three months Artist-in-residence program that AAG operates. It takes on selected talented African artists and supports them through mentorship programs, professional growth, artists' networking opportunities and also help them to show case their work at international art shows, fairs, exhibitions and biennales. Artists work in different disciplines such as painting, drawing, installation art, sculpture, performance art, among others.^[35]

Past artists of SP-AIR include;

• 2023: Daniel Atenyi, Amani Azhari, Fiker Solomon.
• 2022: Kaleab Abate, April Kamunde.
• 2021: Emmie Nume, Vitus Wasswa, Charlene Komuntale.
• 2020: Erinah Fridah, Victoria Nabulime, Odur Ronald, Richard Atugonza.

Vivid Synergies!

This is a project of Afriart gallery that is supported a grant by the Ignite Culture Fund: ACP-EU Culture Programme Eastern Africa starting from May 2023 to May 2024. It is a non stay-in residence that connects visual artists in East Africa that are based in Uganda who work on contemporary art storytelling with writers and curators for a period of four months. The artists can create their own schedule and meet and create from wherever they are. This program helps African artist to document, tell, share, publish and archive their art work in a self-determined way.^[36]

Kampala Art Biennale (KAB)

The Kampala Art Biennale (KAB) was founded by Daudi Karungi of Afriart Gallery and it was established by Kampala Arts Trust in 2014. It happens every two years showcasing Contemporary art from African countries.^{[37] [38]} KAB 2014 made Uganda the first country to host an art biennale.^[39]

• KAB 2014 | The theme was "Progressive Africa".  It happened from 31 August 2014, KAB 14 called on African painters, photographers, illustrators, cartoonists, writers and all 2D media artists who presented their perception of the status of Africa through visual art. KAB 2014 exhibition Venues were Nommo gallery, Uganda Museum, Makerere Art Gallery, Afriart Gallery, Alliance Francaise, National Theatre and Kampala Railway Station.^{[40] [41]}
• KAB 2016 | It happened from 3 September 2016 to 2 October 2016 under theme "Seven Hills". KAB 2016's strategy was to associate all the local cultural operators in an artistic project built around an open, mutual exchange. KAB 2016 introduced The Art Education Programme.^{[42] [43] [44] [45] [46] [47]}
• KAB 2018 | The theme was "The Studio". KAB18 took on a master / apprentice format to transmit knowledge and artistic skill from international contemporary art masters to young Ugandan, East African and African artists. 2018 edition was curated by Simon Njami.^{[48] [49]}
• KAB 2020 | The theme was "Get Up Stand Up". It opened on the 28 October 2020. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, KAB20 was virtual edition and it followed the KAB18 Master - apprentice model, artists globally were tutored and mentored by art master virtually.^{[50] [51]}

Temporary exhibitions

AAG has hosted and organised many exhibitions in its galleries and these include;

• Shapes of Water Group Exhibition | May 27, 2023 - August 12, 2023^{[52] [53]}
• When Thoughts Attack Me Emmie Nume | February 11, 2023 – April 15, 2023^[54]
• Walking the Edge Group Exhibition | November 26, 2022 - January 28, 2023
• Don't Try, Don't Not Try Sungi Mlengeya (B.LA Art Foundation, Vienna, Austria) | September 20, 2022 - September 28, 2022
• Kaddugalamukatale | Samson Ssenkaaba (aka Xenson)| 20 August 2022 - 28 October 2022^[10]
• (UN)CHOREOGRAPHED by Sungi Mlengeya (The Africa Centre, London) | June 20, 2022 - July 24, 2022^{[55] [56]}
• Where the wild things are Group exhibition | April 9, 2022 - June 11, 2022.
• Radical Care Sanaa Gateja | January 26, 2022 - March 26, 2022^[57]
• Iwang Sawa Acaye E. Pamela | September 18, 2021 - October 28, 2021^[58]
• I draw, therefore I think SOUTH SOUTH Platform | September 11, 2021 - November 11, 2021
• Just Disruptions Sungi Mlengeya | June 19, 2021 - August 19, 2021
• Rendezvous Group exhibition Abushariaa Ahmed, Salah Elmur, Eltayeb Dawelbait, and Hussein Halfawi | March 20, 2021 - May 20, 2021
• Down In Napak Waswad | November 14, 2020 - January 30, 2021^[59]
• (Im)perfections by Richard Atugonza & Odur Ronald | September 26, 2020 - November 5, 2020
• Playing to the Gallery Group Exhibition | July 25, 2020 - September 19, 2020
• Collage broadly defined curated by Sarah Bushra featuring artists’ works from Kampala, Kinshasa, and Nairobi | March 20, 2020 - May 16, 2020^{[60] [61]}
• Options Ronex Ahimbisibwe | February 7, 2020 - March 6, 2020
• Seniority First (Group exhibition) featuring Taga Nuwagaba, Sanaa Gateja, Fred Mutebi, Stephen Gwoktcho, Kizito Maria Kasule, Lilian Nabulime | August 10, 2019 - September 30, 2019^[62]
• SURFACE 2 (G.I.R) Gender Identity Rebellion artist discovery workshop by Henry Mzili Mujunga | May 25, 2019 - June 25, 2019^[63]
• Brain Damage JB Sekubulwa | March 9, 2019 - April 30, 2019
• Contemplation Ronex Ahimbisibwe | January 11, 2019 - February 14, 2019^{[64] [65]}
• Shadows | December 7, 2018 - January 10, 2019
• Brain Damage John Baptist Ssekubulwa | 2019 ^[66]
• What is beautiful Collin Sekajugo | October 27, 2018 - December 31, 2018^[67]
• A portrait of Power, Authority and Control Arim Andrew | August 25, 2018 - October 21, 2018
• Who Is Your Saint? Ocom Adonias | May 25, 2018 - July 25, 2018
• Sculptures (1993 – 2018) Dr. Lilian Nabulime | February 10, 2018 - March 31, 2018^{[68] [69]}
• Memories and… Ronex Ahimbisibwe | January 12, 2018 - February 5, 2018^[70]
• Possibilities a design exhibition | December 15, 2017 - February 2, 2018
• Creases and Tears Eria 'Sane' Nsubuga | September 29, 2017 - October 31, 2017^[71]
• Gunflowermask Xenson | September 1, 2017 - November 30, 2017^[72]
• Surfaces mentored by Henry Mzili Mujunga | June 24, 2017 - August 14, 2017
• To Live Is To Become Waswa Donald | March 31, 2017 - April 18, 2017
• A love that dares curated by Margaret Nagawa | March 5, 2017 - May 6, 2017^{[73] [74]}
• Kampala…A City in Transition Taga Nuwagaba | December 9, 2016 - January 07, 2017
• The art of cancer photography exhibition by History in Progress Uganda (HIP Uganda) and Dr. Marissa Mika | in 2017, old images from the 1960s and 1970s plus new photos of the cancer institute, portraits of children and adults with tumors on their body parts where exhibited during the Uganda cancer Institute's 50th Anniversary celebration.^[75]
• Crowd control - six degrees of separation Henry Mzili Mujunga | November 11, 2016 - December 11, 2016
• A Bargain for Woman Fred Mutebi | in 2012, focusing on the achievements of Ugandan women after the 50 years of Uganda's self rule.
• Women Artists in Uganda exhibition i.a. Sheila Nakitende | 2012.^{[76] [77]}
• Dances of Uganda Edison Mugalu | April 13–30, 2012.^[78]
• First edition of the Controversial Art Exhibition Kampala Arts Trust | in 2010.^[79]
• (Dis)placed KucKidz | in 2009, this exhibition was organised to help children from the Acholi subregion that were displaced by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) war to earn money from selling their art.^[80]

Awards and recognitions

In 2022, AAG was recognized as one of "10 Galleries that had a breakout year in 2022" by the art market platform Artsy.^[81]

See also

• List of art museums
• List of national galleries
• The Uganda Museum

External links

• Official Website
• Exhibitions held at AAG
• Fairs held at AGG
• Kampala Art Biennale

Notes and References

1. Web site: Young artists stage exhibition at Afriart Gallery . 2023-07-13 . New Vision . en.
2. Web site: 2023-01-18 . Eight Kenyan artists exhibiting in Kampala . 2023-02-10 . Monitor . en.
3. Web site: New Picture Home In Town . 2023-07-13 . New Vision . en.
4. Web site: A city artist who paints with his heart . 2023-07-13 . New Vision . en.
5. Web site: At Constructs, artist searches for commonalities in his works . 2023-07-13 . New Vision . en.
6. Web site: Artfest magazine . 2023-07-13 . New Vision . en.
7. Web site: Daudi Karungi - About - Independent Curators International . 2023-07-14 . curatorsintl.org . en.
8. Web site: Afriart Gallery exhibition paves way for new talent . 2023-07-13 . New Vision . en.
9. Web site: Visualising Karungi . 2023-07-13 . New Vision . en.
10. Web site: 2022-12-31 . Moment of truth for Ugandan art . 2023-07-13 . Monitor . en.
11. Web site: 2021-01-05 . Using art to depict reality . 2023-07-13 . Monitor . en.
12. Web site: Ndema exhibits in brand new gallery . 2023-07-13 . New Vision . en.
13. Web site: 2021-01-05 . Art show about artists . 2023-07-13 . Monitor . en.
14. Web site: Home . 2023-07-17 . afriartgallery.org.
15. Web site: independent . The . 2019-11-07 . Art X Lagos, 2019 . 2023-07-14 . The Independent Uganda . en-US.
16. Web site: Soares . Alisson Frota . 2023-03-28 . Afriart Gallery presents Mona Taha, Richard Atugonza, and Sanaa Gateja at Art Paris 2023 . 2023-07-14 . waau art . en-US.
17. News: Pogrebin . Robin . 2021-12-04 . Signs of Sea Change at Art Basel Miami: More Galleries of Color . en-US . The New York Times . 2023-01-27 . 0362-4331.
18. Web site: Miami . Por Leydi Torres3 de Diciembre de 2022Desde . Nova, Positions y Survey: los sectores de Art Basel con menos fama pero notable obra . 2023-02-07 . infobae . es-ES.
19. Web site: FNB Joburg Art Fair 2016 Exhibitor List & Focus Announced . 2023-02-01 . ArtThrob . en-US.
20. Web site: Nsimbe . John Vianney . 2011-11-30 . Art: Karungi showcases from 730 days . 2023-07-14 . The Observer - Uganda . en-gb.
21. Web site: Kaggwa . Andrew . 2014-05-04 . Exhibition celebrates little-known maestro's brilliance . 2023-07-13 . The Observer - Uganda . en-gb.
22. Web site: independent . The . 2021-08-05 . Contemporary Art from Africa roars on . 2023-07-13 . The Independent Uganda . en-US.
23. Web site: SOUTH SOUTH / Afriart Gallery . 2023-07-14 . South South . en-US.
24. Web site: Olele . Malobi . 23 November 2020 . Richard Atugonza's New Sculpture Celebrates Body Flaws .
25. Web site: Britt . 2022-02-23 . David Krut Podcast Charlene Komuntale: Thinking outside the box and beyond… Listening Time: 14 Minutes . 2023-02-07 . DAVID KRUT PROJECTS . en-US.
26. Web site: Muwanguzi . Dominic . 2009-01-14 . Big art at Afriart gallery . 2023-07-13 . The Observer - Uganda . en-gb.
27. Web site: 2017-01-23 . ARTS: Ronex unveils legacy works . 2023-07-14 . The Independent Uganda . en-US.
28. Web site: Nsimbe . John Vianney . 2013-03-03 . Jjuuko brings the wild to life . 2023-07-14 . The Observer - Uganda . en-gb.
29. Web site: 2013-02-19 . The Fine Art of Success: The story of Ismael Kateregga . 2023-07-13 . ChimpReports . en-US.
30. Web site: Nsimbe . John Vianney . 2012-01-18 . Art: Ipoot puts fantasy on canvas . 2023-07-14 . The Observer - Uganda . en-gb.
31. Web site: Nsimbe . John Vianney . 2014-02-16 . Kigozi lives life through his art . 2023-07-14 . The Observer - Uganda . en-gb.
32. Web site: Nsimbe . John Vianney . 2011-11-09 . Art: Feel your environs . 2023-07-14 . The Observer - Uganda . en-gb.
33. Web site: Nsimbe . John Vianney . 2012-11-01 . Mutebi's art bargains for women . 2023-07-14 . The Observer - Uganda . en-gb.
34. Web site: 2023-07-18 . Amani Azhari . 2023-07-18 . en-US.
35. Web site: Projects Silhouette Projects . 2023-07-17 . afriartgallery.org.
36. Web site: Projects Vivid Synergies! . 2023-07-17 . afriartgallery.org.
37. Web site: Kampala Art Biennale 2014 . 2023-07-17 . Kampala Art Biennale . en-US.
38. Web site: 2021-01-05 . Using art to depict reality . 2023-07-17 . Monitor . en.
39. Web site: Musasizi . Simon . 2014-07-08 . Kampala art biennale to boost tourism . 2023-07-17 . The Observer - Uganda . en-gb.
40. Web site: 2021-01-05 . Kampala Celebrates Seven Hills in Art Biennale . 2023-07-17 . Monitor . en.
41. Web site: Kampala Art Biennale (Uganda) . 2023-02-07 . Biennial Foundation . en-US.
42. Web site: 2016-07-25 . KAB16 . 2023-07-17 . Kampala Art Biennale . en-US.
43. Web site: Euro games and beverages: Fair cocktail for Kampala arts . 2023-07-17 . New Vision . en.
44. Web site: 2023-05-09 . Ugandan artist finds purpose in blending folk material . 2023-07-17 . Monitor . en.
45. Web site: start . 2016-12-14 . On the Role of Curatorial Assistant, Kampala Art Biennale 2016 . 2023-02-07 . Start Journal . en-US.
46. Web site: Kampala Art Biennale 2016 : Seven Hills . 2023-02-07 . Contemporary And . de.
47. Web site: 2021-01-04 . 2016 memorable moments in arts . 2023-07-17 . Monitor . en.
48. Web site: Kampala Biennale 2018 – I.U.B… . 2023-02-07 . I.U.B... . en.
49. Web site: Official opening: Kampala Art Biennale 2018 EEAS Website . 2023-02-07 . www.eeas.europa.eu.
50. Web site: independent . The . 2020-11-19 . Kampala Art Biennale 2020 on . 2023-02-07 . The Independent Uganda . en-US.
51. Web site: Dee . Christa . 2021-04-28 . Kampala Art Biennale 2020 . 2023-02-07 . South South . en-US.
52. Web site: Musyoki . Rose . 2023-05-04 . Shapes of Water Exhibition at Afriart Gallery. . 2023-08-15 . Art News Africa . en-US.
53. Web site: Soares . Alisson Frota . 2023-06-06 . Afriart Gallery presents 'Shapes of Water', a group exhibition portraying works by women artists from Eastern and Southern Africa, curated by Lara Buchmann . 2023-08-15 . waau art . en-US.
54. Web site: 2023-02-09 . When Thoughts Attack Me: Emmie Nume at Afriart Gallery, Uganda - ART AFRICA Magazine . 2023-02-14 . en-GB.
55. Web site: Independent . The . 2022-07-15 . Sungi Choreographs at (Un)Choreographed show . 2023-02-10 . The Independent Uganda . en-US.
56. Web site: 2022-06-09 . '(Un)Chreographed' by Sungi Mlengeya at The Africa Centre, London - ART AFRICA Magazine . 2023-02-10 . en-GB.
57. Web site: 2022-02-17 . 'Bead king' Sanaa Gateja on upcycling, art as a social enterprise . 2023-07-13 . The East African . en.
58. Web site: 2021-09-09 . Iwang sawa – In the eye of Time: An exhibition of WovenRemaking Curated by Acaye E. Pamela Kerunen . 2023-02-10 . Muwado . en-US.
59. Web site: Kayem . Matt . 2020-12-07 . Waswad: Down in Napak . 2023-02-10 . AFRICANAH.ORG . en-US.
60. Web site: Collage Broadly Defined Exhibitions MutualArt . 2023-02-10 . www.afriartgallery.org . en.
61. Web site: Kayem . Matt . 2020-07-08 . Collage Broadly Defined, groupshow in Afriart, Kampala . 2023-02-10 . AFRICANAH.ORG . en-US.
62. Web site: independent . The . 2019-08-29 . ARTS: Seniority First . 2023-02-10 . The Independent Uganda . en-US.
63. Web site: Surface 2 (G.I.R) Gender... Exhibitions MutualArt . 2023-02-10 . afriartgallery.org . en.
64. Web site: 2022-12-03 . Ronex@20: Visual artist finds beauty everywhere . 2023-07-13 . Monitor . en.
65. Web site: 2020-07-06 . Contemplating dreams and the ideal vs reality . 2023-02-10 . The East African . en.
66. Web site: independent . The . 2019-03-28 . ARTS: A brainy affair . 2023-07-14 . The Independent Uganda . en-US.
67. Web site: independent . The . 2018-11-07 . ARTS: What is beautiful exhibit . 2023-02-10 . The Independent Uganda . en-US.
68. Web site: Lilian Nabulime's emotive sculptures at Afriart . 2023-02-10 . New Vision . en.
69. Web site: Dr Lilian Mary Nabulime - Biography . 2023-02-10 . Almas Art Foundation . en.
70. Web site: Ronex - Memories and... . 2023-02-10 . Contemporary And . de.
71. Web site: independent . The . 2017-10-18 . ARTS: Creases and Tears . 2023-02-10 . The Independent Uganda . en-US.
72. Web site: XENSON: GUNFLOWERMASK . 2023-02-10 . Contemporary And . de.
73. Web site: A love that dares, new space at Afriart gallery . 2023-07-13 . New Vision . en.
74. Web site: 2021-01-04 . Art that dares the two sides of love . 2023-02-10 . Monitor . en.
75. Web site: independent . The . 2017-09-04 . The art of cancer . 2023-07-14 . The Independent Uganda . en-US.
76. Web site: 2023-05-09 . Ugandan artist finds purpose in blending folk material . 2023-07-13 . Monitor . en.
77. Web site: Nsimbe . John Vianney . 2012-03-22 . Art celebrates Women's Day for a month . 2023-07-13 . The Observer - Uganda . en-gb.
78. Web site: Nsimbe . John Vianney . 2012-05-10 . When canvass became the stage at Dances of Uganda . 2023-07-14 . The Observer - Uganda . en-gb.
79. Web site: independent . The . 2021-08-18 . Controversy in Ugandan art . 2023-07-13 . The Independent Uganda . en-US.
80. Web site: Muwanguzi . Dominic . 2009-02-04 . Displaced children find hope in art . 2023-07-13 . The Observer - Uganda . en-gb.
81. Web site: Thaddeus-Johns . Josie . 2022-11-09 . 10 Galleries That Had a Breakout Year in 2022 . 2023-01-27 . Artsy . en.