Six African artists (Boris Anje, Collin Sekajugo, Kansiime Brian Lister, Christine Nyatho, Florence Nanteza, and Carson Buka) are currently taking part in a group exhibition An Odyssey of Identity at Firetti Contemporary. Curated by Céline Azem, Art Curator, Co-Founder and Director of the gallery, the show will end on 31 August 2023.
In their exhibited works, the artists explore the concept of identity and the nature of their African heritage. Drawing on the theories of bell hooks, an American author, educator, and social critic, the exhibition emphasises how important compartmentalising existence is and how important it is to acknowledge the constantly changing construct of individuality.
In his art, Boris Anje (b. 1993, Bamenda, Cameroon) represents and celebrates black bodies and culture: he mostly portrays the members of the La Sape subculture, young African male and female dandies. The artist incorporates Adinkra symbols from Ghana into his paintings. These symbols represent concepts or aphorisms and convey traditional wisdom, aspects of life, or the environment; they also have a decorative function. Mixing traditional and modern elements helps the artist show black people’s complex and diverse identities.
In his collages, Collin Sekajugo (b. 1980, Masaka, Uganda) examines the interaction of social, cultural, economic, and political factors which shape individual and collective identities. To create his works, he utilises polypropylene bags, denim fabrics, wastepaper, and product labels gathered locally. A metaphor for sustainability and durability, these materials aim to spark a conversation about the relationship between art and community. Through his art, Sekajugo also strives to establish a dialogue with the spectator on discrimination and violence, hoping for his audience to gain a more expansive and nuanced understanding of what living in community means.
Using oil and acrylic paint, Kansiime Brian Lister (b. 1995, Kampala, Uganda) creates colourful paintings full of symbolism in which he captures the emotions and experiences of African people in society. The artist connects the history of Africa and modern-day Africa while celebrating the progress that has been made. In his artworks, the sentiment of sisterhood and brotherhood shared between black people gives an emphasis to their special bond recognised not by blood, but through understanding.
Christine Nyatho (b. 1993. Kampala, Uganda) is mesmerised by the moon and its symbolism. She explores lunar cycles and their impact on human behaviour and culture. Here, identity is considered to be shaped not only by one’s upbringing and surroundings, but also by external forces such as celestial bodies. The artist employs locally found materials (bark cloth, discarded paper, and fabrics) to highlight the importance of using materials connected to one’s cultural identity and heritage.
Carson Buka (b. 1989, Masaka, Uganda) emphasises the intricate nature of individual identity and how social norms shape it. His works remind one that identity cannot be reduced to a singular narrative or perspective.
To learn more about An Odyssey of Identity, please visit the exhibition’s official web page.
You might also be interested in visiting Roots and Reflections: A Journey through Time and Nature.