Peckham in Bloom - The World Reimagined art commission for Southwark Council

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PECKHAM IN BLOOM

Breathe in, deeply.

Hold your breath and feel your heartbeat.

Exhale, ever so slowly.

Slow down and create some peace inside you.

You are welcome here, to pause at Peckham in Bloom; a site of rest and restoration, inspired by Black womxn. This is the first sculpture in the ‘Sisters Need Sleep’ collection, which celebrates Black womxn in rest and nurturing their creativity. All Black womxn deserve a space in Peckham to breathe and to be at ease.

The three incredible Black women you see are Lorna, Audrey and Titilayomi. The love and care they pour into their communities and Southwark inspired me to create an offering that is reminiscent of the tropics they grew up in.

Peckham’s Golden Mile is teeming with all the tropical fruit and vegetables that sustained our ancestors and that we enjoy everyday, thanks to farmers in the Caribbean and Africa. Nature restores us, but we in the Global North are responsible for the destruction of the planet and it is indigenous communities in the Global South – and particularly Black womxn and girls who suffer the most. Therefore, we must listen to Black womxn and girls, because they have the answers to help us restore our collective humanity and sustain our planet.

Take some time to turn inwards, pause and reflect. How can you support Black womxn and girls to thrive and nurture our planet, so we can all enjoy papaya, matooke and sugar cane for generations to come?

Thank you up the @twr__org, @southwarkcouncil, @officiallycorvzon, @msamulinde, @please_make_space @shonibarestudio, Paintbox Studios for expert guidance and everyone who sends love and encouragement my way ❤️

#TheWorldReimagined #Sculpture #EnvironmentalArt #NatureArt #IndigenousKnowledge #Papaya #Matooke #SugarCane #ThingsToDoInPeckham

Peckham in Bloom. Photograph courtesy of The World Reimagined. Photographed by Mark Allen (photos on site) and Barney Oates (cut out).

At the Westminister Abbey launch

The World Reimagined ground-breaking, national art education project which will transform how we understand the Transatlantic Trade in Enslaved Africans and its impact on all of us.

I attended @twr__org launch reception at Westminster Abbey featuring all the London globes, including my globe for @southwarkcouncil, Peckham in Bloom. Hearing the co-founder @michellegayle1 share her vision for racial equality was inspirational and I got "Looking Up" flashbacks 🎶🎶

It was incredible to witness the artwork of some of the phenomenal artists commissioned and other artists, curators and cultural producers I really admire.

Just over a year ago, I was fired for "inconsistent performance" whilst I was depressed and anxious. A real gift actually, as making art to process and producing community dance and visual art projects has truly been a reimagining of my impact.

Peckham in Bloom. Photograph courtesy of The World Reimagined. Photographed by Mark Allen (photos on site) and Barney Oates (cut out).

Meeting with Southwark councillor Natasha Ennin!

The World Reimagined - globe commission as part of the Lambeth and Southwark art trail

The World Reimagined is a ground-breaking, mass participation art education project to transform how UK society understands the Transatlantic Slave Trade and its impact.

The World Reimagined will see ten trails of ten large Globe sculptures in seven cities across the UK in the summer of 2022, each created by a different artist to bring to life the impact of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. The trails will be the centre of a broader education and engagement programme, with schools and community groups across the country.

Each Globe will be designed to bring to life the reality and impact of The Transatlantic Slave Trade, responding to the themes of The Journey of Discovery as described on www.theworldreimagined.org.

I am thrilled to announce I have been commissioned to design a Globe as part of our Community Globe Commission scheme in Southwark, London. I have met with elders in Peckham, and heard about their histories and connections to Southwark so I can create a Globe that will be deeply connected to place.

The World Reimagined, at its core, is built on our belief in the transformative power of art: to inspire, to move and to open our imagination to new possibilities. And so the artists that create the Globe sculptures that form our trails are essential in helping people travel through this Journey of Discovery.

Community Workshop inspiration

Peckham conversations with the incredible Lorna, Audrey, Beverly and many others brought together by the wonderful Natalie who runs the Elim Community Centre and Coco. We had a really nourishing conversation about their experience of coming over from Jamaica and living in Southwark. I decided to make the Southwark Community globe a tribute for the Black women of Peckham and make the globe a place to restore them. I chose not to show them in service.

Thank you to Adam Vass for phenomenal support, Paintbox felt like my studio!

My globe #sculpture for @twr__org #Southwark to #Lambeth art trail, "Peckham in Bloom", is installed on Saturday 13 August.

Kensington + Chelsea Art Week art trail - mural commission with Bokani Tshidzu

The mural created by artists Birungi Kawooya and Bokani Tshidzu will be installed on Freston Road opposite Bramley Studios as part of the Untold Stories initiative funded by The Mayor of London. Curated by Bolanle Tajudeen, founder of Black Blossoms School of Art and Culture an online art school an intersectional online art school dedicated to documenting and highlighting the art histories and the current creative practices of Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour. The platform also has a strong history showcasing contemporary Black women and non-binary artists. The artists Birungi Kawooya and Bokani Tshidzu will be working to the event’s nourish theme and the notion of Rest, Reflection and Wellness for women of colour.

Generating Joy with Mindful African Art

I feel like I'm capable of making my own happiness and it reminds me of how far I've come in 2021.

This piece I finished last night represents the joy, power and creative inspiration that comes from pursuing inner peace. Shining from within.

2021, was the year I truly learned how much I need to just focus on the breath and go inwards. Doing less helped. Meditating helped. Singing when anxiety shortened my breath helped. CBT helped alot! Learning to dance Kiganda really helped bring me back into my body and connect to my heritage. The love and support from my friends and family helped so much ❤

I held art workshops for various communities to make art mindfully and collage with African prints; beginners, artists, writers, young creatives, school children, people on a pregnancy journey and my fellow Ugandans! Each experience made me feel soooooo good and peaceful and that's the power of art in the community.

Thank you everyone of my art collectors, art workshop participants and to the organisations and schools who booked me to guide so many incredible people! I can't wait to hold my next sessions online and in person!

@blackminduk @peckhamplatform @society_of_authors @migreenwich @4ourthspace @sheffieldmaternitycooperative @communityofcultures @kaumaarts @royal_greenwich @porticolibrary

Brimming with gratitude, thank you for making 2021 an incredible year of growth!

Kiganda Dance Gratitude

Visiting James and Appapat from The Portico Library, Manchester

I finally made it to The Portico Library in Manchester and met the wonderful curatorial team: James and Appapat! My my Hiplet Ballerinas and Kiganda Dancers were part of the Fun and Games exhibition from Nov 2020 to May this year.

Did you know the Kiganda Dancers piece has healing powers? Because of it The Portico Library commissioned me to make a film about the dance, for which I turned to Mercy Nabirye for support, who connected me to Aminah Namakula who did an incredible job as producer, director and the star. Working with Mercy changed my whole year as she brought me into her phenomenal Kauma Arts team and we produced "Connecting Communities", an 8 day dance festival for the Royal Borough of Greenwich. I *had* to dance as part of my role as Project Assistant and workshop facilitator!

At the beginning of the year, I was so disassociated from my body and mind, I actually had no idea I had slipped back into depression. Getting fired whilst depressed and severely anxious was *actually* the best thing that happened to me. Depression and anxiety had a purpose and redirected me to connect to my community and move through my feelings in a different way. Working with so many talented dance artists local to me brought me back into my body and mind in such a gentle and yet powerful way.

All artistic forms of expression so powerful. I am absolutely brimming with gratitude to know that I can generate my own joy and healing. And thrilled to have the family, friends, collectors, curators and collaborator who see me and support my expression.

Heart full!

#KigandaDance #Buganda #AfricanDance #Dance #Hiplet #DanceArt #DanceTherapy #MovingThroughDepression #MindfulArt #ArtTherapy #FigurativeArt #MixedMediaCollage #MentalHealth

How are you really? Expressing Yourself in Art

I hosted a Mindful Collage workshop for The Society of Authors and I loved hearing how the participants represented themselves and their feelings in art.

One of the participants used different colour post it note pads and included a speech bubble in her tiny work of art which she loaded so much meaning. The speech bubble said, "I expected more blue." She said: "I use blue to express mood, orange for happy and white for neutral. And while I was making my self portrait, I realised I needed less blue."

Feel Good Friday - Mindful Collage Class for The Society of Authors

I feel so privileged to help others express how they feel. You an view the session below, join in!

I'm holding Online Mindful Collage Art workshops on Wednesdays, starting 22 December. Join me and let's have a chat :)

Contact me if you'd like your organisation to book me. Thank you Sophia Jackson for booking me ❤❤❤

#ArtTherapy #OnlineWorkshop #SelfPortrait #CollageArt #ArtWorkshop #MindfulArt #OnlineArt #MentalHealth #Wellbeing

Good vibrations at Mindful African Art workshop

Yesterday I was fortunate enough to hold space for four beautiful humans to relax and unwind in my Mindful African Collage workshop and they all brought a beautiful energy to our session. Incredible textile artist, Amber and her partner made art about their family and daughter, who's name means rejoice. Their beautiful daughter makes them so proud and it's so good to see pandemic parents taking time out for themselves. Thank you Sandra for coming back and bringing your friend!

It was a lovely day!

FRIDAYS and SUNDAYS: 2pm-4pm in Greenwich and London

WHERE: Made in Greenwich 324 Creek Road, London SE10 0XN and Our Space 22-25 Portman Close London W1H 6BS

BESPOKE: Fancy a private session for your friends or family? Email me on hello@birungikawooyaart.com and let's chat 📞

#ArtTherapy #ThingsToDoInGreenwich #AfroHair #CollageArt #ArtWorkshop #MindfulArt #MindfulAfricanArtClass #HenParty #ArtClass #Christmas #Gift #AfricanPrint

A Generous Space art exhibition | Hastings Contemporary

A GENEROUS SPACE art exhibition at Hastings Contemporary @_art_on_sea is open and I'm proud to be exhibiting 'Slow down, Birungi.

Thank you Dorcas for the lovely evening and the photo!

Dreaming outloud... one day I'll create a time and a space for Black womxn to rest and enjoy music, poetry, dance and art together. Until then, I'll make art in their vision which I hope inspires us to love ourselves deeper and sustain our dreams, hopes and desires.

I'm so grateful for all the love and support I receive and in particular the Black womxn who share my vision.

#LoveArt #CollageArt #WomenInArt #AbstrakteKunst #TheNapMinistry #SelfCare #SistersNeedSleep

Slow Down, Birungi (2021)

Reposted from @artistsupportpledge

A Generous Space is a celebration of the global movement and economy Artist Support Pledge.

More than 300 works, created by artists from around the world as well as from just around the corner, are featured in A Generous Space. Paintings, drawings, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, photography, basket-making, weaving and needlework have travelled to the UK from countries including America, Canada, India, Republic of Moldova, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Italy, and the Republic of Ireland. There is also strong representation from local and regionally based artists.

All works are available for purchase and anyone can buy through direct contact with the exhibiting artist(s).

More work is available through #artistsupportpledge

#hastingscontemporary #agenerousspace #artistsupportpledge #artistsurfacesaward

2020 was emotionally draining for many reasons, and specifically for Black women; seeing so many dead Black men on the news and all over our social feeds was incredibly distressing. Many women and transwomen die everyday and don’t make it onto the news, which is a different kind of pain and despair altogether. I found myself disconnecting from the news cycle and disassociating to protect myself from effects of witnessing so much violence. It took a monumental year like 2020 to make it clear the loop was not working.

And then I found the Nap Ministry, which always reminds me how much more I need to take care of myself. 

It’s not enough to be able to do the 40, 50 60 hours a week at work that a supposedly productive person does. When we work ourselves to the bone we dehumanise ourselves. The Nap Ministry shows me that time to rest, imagine and dream are key for building a more equitable society and reclaiming our humanity.  

Sisters Need Sleep (2020)

So, I’ve created the Sisters Need Sleep series to turn attention inwards and celebrate Black womxn at rest. With Sisters Need Sleep, I am reminding myself that I can be honoured for just breathing. When my friends cancel plans with me I congratulate them for listening to their bodies and creating space to restore themselves. And more likely than not, them cancelling helps me to slow down too.  

My artistic practice soothes so much, and making time for rest gives me the energy and inspiration to heal myself with art therapy.

So, as always, I am creating the world I want to inhabit - Black women giving themselves the love and support they need to heal.  

The Dancing Couple remixed

The Dancing Couple Remixed

from £75.00

For this piece, I took inspiration from the iconic Malick Sidibé photograph, “Nuit de Noël” to recreate the intimacy of a #Christmas eve night dance. This is an update of the original Dancing Couple artwork and I've digitally incorporated the batik midnight blue sky and matooke trees in the backdrop.

Nuit de Noël is one of my favourite #MalickSidibé photos, his subjects are adorned in crisp suits, elegant dresses and he so perfectly captures their dance moves.

A lovely woman in the US, wants to gift her husband the A2 fine art print for Christmas. How romantic! It's such a privilege to help others express love and joy through art.

Fine art prints are available in A4, A3, A2 and A1 and A0. Ask me if you any questions!

Last orders for international post is Friday 3 December.

#Art #CollageArt #PaperCutArt #DigitalCollage #BlackChristmas #AbstractArt #DanceArt #TheDancingCouple #CoupleDancing

Making Art to Relax

“If you are looking for some “me” time, I thoughly recommend Birungi’s art class. It’s a great way to destress as you’re completely focussed on the piece of art you are creating”

— D.G. (Workshop participant)

The lovely people who join my Mindful African art classes and online Creative Collage sessions are both excited and nervous to experiment with collage - I love holding space for absolute beginners to paint with African print textiles and make art they are proud of.

I remind everyone, that collage is a made-up art-form: you can make your own rules and there are no mistakes! I fully understand the nerves that arise, to help myself relax when making art. I like a backdrop of motivational and uplifting music like Beyonce’s Homecoming live album - it’s energising and reminds me that with focus I can achieve anything! I also really enjoy the soothing guitar riffs of Khruangbin which help me to become mindful. Fluff reality TV programmes are great too as I don’t need to concentrate on them!

Another relaxation technique i use is to experiment with a sketching exercise to help myself get over the initial anxiety of drawing; I also use this technique in my art classes to help soothe my participants. Very quickly, I find they relax, focus and become curious about what they can achieve through making their art.

Collage art is very accessible. Talking to other artists who paint, sculpt and use specific materials, they are often held back by the fear of making mistakes on expensive materials; using recycled household materials like magazine paper, wallpaper, photos and old fabric make experimentation fun, with no pressure to get it ‘right’ the first time.

In my class, I observe that being together with a shared purpose helps people to support each other to create. Participants chat to each and learn from each other and experiment with different ways to layer paper and card to achieve their creative vision.

There are endless possibilities with creative collage. I find that participants love the freedom that comes with collage and it improves their wellbeing and self-esteem. My Mindful African art classes are always encouraging spaces for all to create art mindfully.

Sisters Need Sleep collection to restore Black women and dream outloud

In all my working life I’ve been operating on some kind of loop. Go to work, eat, sleep, try to unwind. Work harder to have more money to afford more fun and more lavish holidays. Burn out. Eat, sleep, develop high anxiety. Can’t leave my bed and get diagnosed with depression. 

Afro Aura, 2022

2020 was emotionally draining for many reasons, and specifically for Black women; seeing so many dead Black men on the news and all over our social feeds was incredibly distressing. Many women and transwomen die everyday and don’t make it onto the news, which is a different kind of pain and despair altogether. I found myself disconnecting from the news cycle and disassociating to protect myself from effects of witnessing so much violence. It took a monumental year like 2020 to make it clear the loop was not working.

And then I found the Nap Ministry, which always reminds me how much more I need to take care of myself. 

Slow Down, Birungi (2021)

This world is designed to exhaust us and encourage apathy and self-destruction. Capitalism. White fragility. Toxic masculinity. The success of these dominant forces is predicated on us all being so exhausted and feeling powerless that doom is inevitable. The Nap Ministry reminds me to focus on myself to build better a environment for me to really thrive. 

It’s not enough to be able to do the 40, 50 60 hours a week at work that a supposedly productive person does. When we work ourselves to the bone we dehumanise ourselves. The Nap Ministry shows me that time to rest, imagine and dream are key for building a more equitable society and reclaiming our humanity.  

Floral Crown, 2020

So, I’ve created the Sisters Need Sleep series to turn attention inwards and celebrate Black womxn at rest. With Sisters Need Sleep, I am reminding myself that I can be honoured for just breathing. When my friends cancel plans with me I congratulate them for listening to their bodies and creating space to restore themselves. And more likely than not, them cancelling helps me to slow down too.  

My artistic practice soothes so much, and making time for rest gives me the energy and inspiration to heal myself with art therapy.

So, as always, I am creating the world I want to inhabit - Black women giving themselves the love and support they need to heal.