How can civil rights activist and dancer Josephine Baker inspire you?

  Inspired by Josephine Baker. By Birungi Kawooya.
Inspired by Josephine Baker. By Birungi Kawooya.

Birungi means beautiful and good. Growing up Black in London, I never felt beautiful and because I always had something to say back to my Mum, I wasn’t always a good girl!

In my teenage years, I was a Daddy’s girl, until I called my him out on his bullshit. Our relationship fractured and broke me. In life and work, I have continued to stand up for myself and at crucial times, I am ignored. I carry this fear of rejection and abuse in my body. My middle name Ndwadde means, I’m sick. My body and mind is processing trauma and I am becoming.

Seeing Josephine Baker, an outspoken civil right activist, dancing barefoot in a banana skirt fascinates me.

My art reminds me to ground myself in my true nature, free of white supremacist, imperialist, capitalist, patriarchal and ableist conditioning. I create worlds where Black womxn can be because this creates justice for all, which is why I wanted to share my artwork with you today.

Contact me on hello@birungikawooya to enquire about bringing this artwork or fine art print into your collection.

Scroll to Top

Discover more from Birungi Kawooya Art

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading