I am enjoying creating a space for rest that inherently shocks Ugandans. I didn’t grow up knowing the #matuba bark cloth is used to shroud the dead, care and protect them on their journey back into the earth by the Ganda tribe. In making this site of rest with these inherent tensions, I want to discuss how we also struggle with accepting care and support.
Can you rest? is part of the Annual Njabala Foundation Exhibition “Holding Space” at Makerere Art Gallery until 8 April.
The installation of a banana and palm woven mat, bark cloth sheet, banana fibre headrest and citronella for sensory pleasure and protection is an invitation to all who have ever identified as a woman to rest.
The 2023 iteration titled Njabala: Holding Space is an exhibition about the efforts to rest and organize time in a world designed to constantly exploit women. Inspired by Njabala folklore’s portrayal of Njabala as the “lazygirl”, the exhibition explores (mis)interpretations of rest, care and labor, especially in a Ugandan context. Ugandan artist Pamela Enyonu as well as the three artists who were accepted for the Annual Njabala Open Call of 2021 namely Birungi Kawooya, Mable Akeu and Pepita Biraaro have been reflecting on the themes through 2022 and have made new works for the exhibition.
Njabala Annual Exhibition: Holding Space from 8 March to 8 April 2023 Read Post »
The 2023 iteration titled Njabala: Holding Space is an exhibition about the efforts to rest and organize time in a world designed to constantly exploit women. Inspired by Njabala folklore’s portrayal of Njabala as the “lazygirl”, the exhibition explores (mis)interpretations of rest, care and labor, especially in a Ugandan context. Ugandan artist Pamela Enyonu as well as the three artists who were accepted for the Annual Njabala Open Call of 2021 namely Birungi Kawooya, Mable Akeu and Pepita Biraaro have been reflecting on the themes through 2022 and have made new works for the exhibition.
Njabala Annual Exhibition: Holding Space from 8 March to 8 April 2023 Read Post »
Building on my Njabala Foundation residency, I am also thrilled to share I am also a resident with 32° East (Ugandan Arts Trust)! I will continue to explore natural fibres – #lubugo (bark cloth), #ensansa (palm leaves), #ebyaayi (banana tree fibres) and learn #weaving and #basketry techniques and create a new body of work to tell my story of rest and wellbeing. I am so grateful to 32° East director, Teesa Bahana and the entire team for supporting me and four other incredible artists to work in such an incredible space. marvel at 32° East’s new building
Birungi Kawooya is a 32° East artist in residence Read Post »
I am thrilled to collaborate with the epic Bokani and be commissioned by Kensington and Chelsea Art Week and Black Blossoms.online, to create a new temporary artwork, inspired by Black womxn at rest. It will be located on a large hoarding on Freston Road, W10 and we need you to vote on your favourite design!
Vote for Black Womxn at Rest – Kensington and Chelsea Art Week mural Read Post »
I am thrilled to collaborate with the epic Bokani and be commissioned by Kensington and Chelsea Art Week and Black Blossoms.online, to create a new temporary artwork, inspired by Black womxn at rest. It will be located on a large hoarding on Freston Road, W10 and we need you to vote on your favourite design!
Vote for Black Womxn at Rest – Kensington and Chelsea Art Week mural Read Post »
Njabala Foundation is delighted to welcome Birungi Kawooya for a five month artist in Residency. Birungi’s residency has been tailored to provide for her specific needs as a Ugandan – British artist with the urge to indulge with her own roots and culture. Supported by the Arts Council England.
Birungi Kawooya is Njabala Foundation’s first Artist in Residence Read Post »
“We Dance” is Inspired by the sensational #Ekitagurilo dance of the #Abayankore tribe of Uganda, which I witnessed at the Ndere Cultural Centre, the story. This dance mimics the shape of the magnificent long horn bull, swipe to see the glorious @ndereug – embodied knowledge.
We Dance | A story inspired by indigenous knowledge Read Post »
“We Dance” is Inspired by the sensational #Ekitagurilo dance of the #Abayankore tribe of Uganda, which I witnessed at the Ndere Cultural Centre, the story. This dance mimics the shape of the magnificent long horn bull, swipe to see the glorious @ndereug – embodied knowledge.
We Dance | A story inspired by indigenous knowledge Read Post »