A Space for Resistance and RenewalA Space for Resistance and Renewal is a trio of bark cloth structures that provide a gathering place for rest, repair and resistance. As a self-taught artist, Kawooya came to fibre artistry as a healing practice. Here, she can imagine being liberated from the interlocking forces of systemic racism, capitalism, sexism and ableism. The artist has chosen regenerative materials traditionally used in Ugandan art; olubugo (bark cloth), banana fibre, raffia and Brixton-grown bamboo. When harvesting bark cloth, artisans wrap the omutuba tree with banana leaf once the bark is removed, which allows the tree to repair and be harvested in future rainy seasons. The designs feature shield motifs from the Kingdom of Buganda, symbolising protection, and the earthenware pots which tether the structures are filled with plants known for their therapeutic properties.

ASpace for ResistanceA Space for Resistance and Renewal is a trio of bark cloth structures that provide a gathering place for rest, repair and resistance. As a self-taught artist, Kawooya came to fibre artistry as a healing practice. Here, she can imagine being liberated from the interlocking forces of systemic racism, capitalism, sexism and ableism. The artist has chosen regenerative materials traditionally used in Ugandan art; olubugo (bark cloth), banana fibre, raffia and Brixton-grown bamboo. When harvesting bark cloth, artisans wrap the omutuba tree with banana leaf once the bark is removed, which allows the tree to repair and be harvested in future rainy seasons. The designs feature shield motifs from the Kingdom of Buganda, symbolising protection, and the earthenware pots which tether the structures are filled with plants known for their therapeutic properties.

A Space for Resistance and Renewal (2024)A Space for Resistance and Renewal is a trio of bark cloth structures that provide a gathering place for rest, repair and resistance. As a self-taught artist, Kawooya came to fibre artistry as a healing practice. Here, she can imagine being liberated from the interlocking forces of systemic racism, capitalism, sexism and ableism. The artist has chosen regenerative materials traditionally used in Ugandan art; olubugo (bark cloth), banana fibre, raffia and Brixton-grown bamboo. When harvesting bark cloth, artisans wrap the omutuba tree with banana leaf once the bark is removed, which allows the tree to repair and be harvested in future rainy seasons. The designs feature shield motifs from the Kingdom of Buganda, symbolising protection, and the earthenware pots which tether the structures are filled with plants known for their therapeutic properties.

Cultivating Rhythms of Care | Rebecca Khamala | Birungi Kawooya (2024)Cultivating Rhythms of Care is a biophilic installation curated to reflect on the monthly menstrual cycle in relationship to the seasons in nature, supported by a soundscape. It is ordered in three layers that follow the concentric form of the MISR library pavillion. It comprises a woven wall that encloses the space, a veil partition that guides movement through the space, a food and plant display along with questions to initiate conversations and knowledge on local foods, what we learn from the story of Njabala, and how we can care for our bodies throughout the menstrual cycle.

Black Womxn At Rest | Bokani | Birungi Kawooya | Black Blossoms | Kensington & Chelsea Art Week (2023)BLACK WOMXN AT RESTFreston Road, W10 LondonA collaboration by Bokani and Birungi Kawooya, curated by Black Blossoms in partnership with Kensington and Chelsea Art Week.Funded by Untold Stories, part of the Mayor of London’s Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm.Part of my Sisters Need Sleep collection.

A space for rest (2023)A bark cloth installation to hold space for rest and ego death

Past, Present and Future Self Portrait triptych (2023)Stemming from a daily journaling practice where I write about my ideal future and present, so I can attempt to stop reenacting past trauma, I have created a Past, Present and Future self portrait triptych. By creating a visual representation of my writing practice, I hope to confront the initial source of trauma and depict my present and future selves healing and restoring my humanity.In this visual autobiography, I am freeing myself from the ingrained belief that “I am not enough”. The process has cracked me open and I’m letting go of fear. Every day, I’m giving myself an opportunity to create my future. I need to make these works, so I can hold space for others to reimagine themselves. When we come together and support our dreams, we become powerful. Thank you Njabala Foundation for supporting this Ugandan woman to dream and work. A labour of deep love I'm eternally grateful for.Materials and significanceI have chosen to work on a canvas of lubugo, traditionally used by the Ganda tribe as a shroud, a metaphor for the death of my past selves and toxic beliefs I am working to purge. Collaging with ebyaayi, a strong and versatile material, I get to further engage with culturally significant materials capable of transforming, when I was told by my Father that I didn’t understand my culture. Working with these materials, I am asserting my right to access and reinterpret my culture and develop my own voice, when I have felt silenced.

Future Self-Portrait – Fly Birungi, fly! (2023)Medium: Bark cloth, banana fibres, wax pastel Size: 2.5 x 1.3 m

Fly Birungi, fly (2023)

Present Self-Portrait: You Have To Work Twice As Hard To Recover From… (2023)Medium: Bark cloth, banana fibres, wax pastel Size: 1.75 x 1.2 m

You have to work twice as hard to recover from.... (2023)

You Are (Not) Hysterical, Birungi (2023)

Birungi, you are (not) hysterical (2023)

Past, Present and Future Self Portrait triptych (2023)

Can you rest? (32° East, 2023)An installation for rest. Commissioned banana fibre and palm leaf mat, by Nkyanzi. Bark cloth made by Aloysius. Banana fibre basket sourced from the National Theatre craft market.Photographed by Royal Kenego. Made at 32° East, Ugandan Arts Trust for Njabala Foundation exhibition: Holding Space.

Can you rest? (Installation photo at Makerere University Gallery, 2023)An installation for rest. Commissioned banana fibre and palm leaf mat, by Nkyanzi. Bark cloth made by Aloysius. Banana fibre basket sourced from the National Theatre craft market.Photographed by Royal Kenego. Made at 32° East, Ugandan Arts Trust for Njabala Foundation exhibition: Holding Space.

Peckham in Bloom | The World Reimagined (2022)Peckham in Bloom Commissioned for @southwarkcouncil as part of the Southwark to Lambeth art trail for The World Reimagined until 31 October. I'm honoured to be one of 103 unique globes across the UK exploring the history, legacy and future of the Transatlantic Trade in Enslaved Africans through the work of incredible artists. Find an trail near you through @twr__org #ArtTrail #ArtActivism #ThingsToDoInPeckham #PeckhamInBloom

Sisters Need Sleep collection | Artist Talk | Birungi Kawooya ArtNAZ commissioned me to present my "Sisters Need Sleep" art collection for their annual event 'Diva Village,' which brought together independent, Black-led businesses, charities, social investment, educational and corporate partners across the boroughs of Lewisham, Southwark and Lambeth, to celebrate Black women on 7th of December 2021.

Afro Aura (2022)

AILEY'S CRY (2022)

GENERATING JOY (2021)

Slow down, Birungi (2021)Slow Down, Birungi artwork by Birungi Kawooya. A black woman is laid on a chaise lounge surrounded by multi-coloured flowers with a blue and multi-coloured sky.

Sisters Need Sleep (2020)Sisters Need Sleep, artwork by Birungi Kawooya. Three Black women with golden Afros and robes are holding each other for support. The woman in the middle has her eyes closed in rest. Her sisters watch over her and stand guard. The backdrop is an inky midnight blue.

Floral Crown (2020)Floral Crown artwork by Birungi Kawooya. A Black woman is resting with her head tilted to the left. Her face, eyes, lips, nose, shoulders and clavicle are highlighted in bright blue. Ther are gold flowers on her head and the backdrop is jet black.

The Dancing Couple remixed (2021)The Dancing couple remixed artwork by Birungi Kawooya. Two Black people wearing brown and green are dancing. The backdrop is dark blue and there are banana trees

Kiganda Dancers remixed (2021)Kiganda dancers remixed artwork by Birungi Kawooya. Three Black people wearing red and black fur skirts, dancing. The backdrop is dark blue and there are banana trees.

Danai Gurira (2020)Danai Gurira by Birungi Kawooya. A black woman looks to the left with purple lips, eyes and ear cuff. The backdrop is grey with various flowers.

The Get Down Remixed - Digital Collage (2020)Get Down With The Purple Leaves digital collage by Birungi Kawooya. Three dancers in black and purple overlaid onto a photo of purple leaves.

Dancer In The Spotlight (2020)Dancer In The Spotlight artwork by Birungi Kawooya. A Black dance with arms outstretched, highlighted in gold steps into her spotlight.

Josephine Baker in the matooke leaves - Digital Collage (2020)Josephine Baker with the matooke digital collage by Birungi Kawooya. Artwork of a Black dancer overlaid onto a photo of banana leaves.

Black Women loving | Birungi Kawooya ArtA selection of my art showcasing Black Women loving themselves. Kiganda Dancers remixed, 2021 The Josephine Baker collection, 2018 Hiplet Ballerinas, 2018 The Josephine Baker collection remixed, 2019 Dancer in the Spotlight, 2020 Visit my website for more art that exalts Black Women. I also host art workshops where you can reimagine yourself in art and nurture your wellbeing. www.birungikawooyaart.com

Gold Is your Birthright (2020)Gold Is Your Birthright artwork by Birungi Kawooya. Black skinned woman highlighted in gold.

Disco Lovers (2019)Disco Lovers artwork by Birungi Kawooya. Two Black people with purple skin are dancing closely in the dark. They are illuminated by purple strobe lights.

Kiganda Dancers (2019)Kiganda dancers remixed artwork by Birungi Kawooya. Three Black people wearing red and black fur skirts, dancing. The backdrop is dark blue and there are banana trees.

Lupita N'yongo (2019)Lupita N'yongo artwork by Birungi Kawooya. Black woman with blue features on a white backdrop.

The Get Down (2019)The Get Down artwork by Birungi Kawooya. Three Black people wearing purple and dancing joyously. The backdrop is white.

Josephine Baker - painted sky and matooke leaves (2019)Josephine Baker - painted sky and matooke leaves artwork by Birungi Kawooya. A brown woman in a banana skirt poses. The backdrop is blue sky and green leaves.

Josephine Baker - painted blue matooke leaves (2019)Josephine Baker - painted blue matooke leaves artwork by Birungi Kawooya. A brown woman in a banana skirt poses. The backdrop is blue leaves.

Josephine Baker - painted green matooke leaves (2019)Josephine Baker - painted green matooke leaves artwork by Birungi Kawooya. A brown woman in a banana skirt poses. The backdrop is blue sky and green leaves.

The Josephine Baker Collection (2018)The Josephine Baker collection artwork by Birungi Kawooya. Three Black dancers posing in gold banana skirts. The backdrop is white.

Josephine Baker by the matooke tree (2019)Josephine Baker by the matooke leaves artwork by Birungi Kawooya. A black woman in a banana skirt. The backdrop is white.

Hiplet Ballerinas (2018)Hiplet Ballerinas artwork by Birungi Kawooya. Four ballerina figures in golden brown and black are doing hiplet dance sequence. The backdrop is white.

Grace Jones (2018)Grace Jones artwork by Birungi Kawooya. Black athlete posing in her leg stuck up and holding a mike on a white backdrop.

LOVE (2018)LOVE by Birungi Kawooya. LOVE in red and purple with a white background.

Josephine Baker In matooke leaves - photo (2018)Josephine Baker collection on a banana leaf artwork. Three pictures of Black dancers in bold poses are on top of a banana leaf. The backdrop is grass.

Nefertiti (2018)Nephertiti artwork by Birungi Kawooya. Queen Nephertiti bust in black, with a blue and yellow hat. The backdrop is gold.

Step Into Your Light (2018)Step Into Your Light artwork by Birungi Kawooya. A Black woman with blue braids is looking upwards to a bright future.

John Boyega (2017)John Boyega artwork by Birungi Kawooya. Black man with a pink and gold. The backdrop is gold and green leaves.

The Dancing Couple (2017)The Dancing Couple artwork by Birungi Kawooya. Two Black people wearing brown and green are dancing. The backdrop is white.

GALLERY