Present Self Portrait: You have to work twice as hard to recover from…
Medium: Bark cloth, banana fibres, wax pastel
Size: 1.75 x 1.2 m
Year: 2023
In this scene, my past self lays healing from the attacks sustained in the past underneath the shield. A representation of my present day self watches and protects, eyes closed, holding a spear bearing the words “REST IS” . A banana tree is sprouting and the cut banana tree from the past scene is growing a new leaf.
I'm glad I've given myself the time to heal from deep pain in my body, brain fog and the inability to read. Healing is continuous, I’m regularly triggered and my wellbeing practices are many. And if I'm ever unwell, depressed or anxious, I trust that I'll be able to figure out how to heal again. I've learnt alot from my past selves.
What is rest to you? How would you like to be supported? I'm building a space for rest at @32degreeseast visit our open studio this Friday and Saturday, come on by!
You can view my past, present and future self portraits at Makerere University Gallery, thanks to the Njabala Foundation @sights_of_resistance exhibition “Holding Space”
Monday to Friday 10am – 5pm and Saturday 10am – 4pm until Saturday 8 April
Thank you to 32° East Ugandan Arts Trust, Arts Council England, Moleskine Foundation, Akka Project, Linda Umutesi and FG Foundation.
Present Self Portrait: You have to work twice as hard to recover from…(2023)
Medium: Bark cloth, banana fibres, wax pastel