The second edition of Ebirungi Art Exhibition was launched at The UPSIDE Sushi and Asian Restaurant premised at Latitude O in Makindye, a Kampala Capital suburb on Thusday, amidst pomp and glamor, the Investigator reports.
The scenery from the top floor venue, with a backdrop of Lake Victoria, complete with soothing wind, the stage was set for the event. Guests were ushered into the lobby of Latitude O, with works of the different artists adorning their pieces that dotted the whole rendezvous that dazed many an art enthusiast.
They were later greeted into the main engagements room by immaculately dressed Latitude O staff while official hosts, Mr. Karanja Nzisa and Sven Saint – Calbre ushered in the guests to the waiting party who offered them comfy cocktails and snacks while Lysha Band played live music. The event was officially kicked off by the Day’s MC, Kampala Socialite and art lover, Suzan Ochola aka Sue Ochola.
In her brief remarks, Ms. Ochola attested that art is priceless, limitless and timeless and that, she was glad to be part of Ebirungi fraternity. Miss Mireille Swinnen; an artist in her own right, who doubled as the patron of the show and wife to the Belgian Ambassador to Uganda, said that she was elated to have been part of the final select team that zeroed in on all the works on display.
She informed the audience that she was a teacher in the world of Mosaics whose works have been shown extensively in the United States of America, France, Ireland and Japan. “Our embassy has facilitated a lot of sectors in Uganda, be political or otherwise, but never before like we have done with art,” she observed.
She noted how she was happy that the youth in Uganda were embracing art as a career and that her embassy was open to any art related event. Swinnen told a story of how having been brought up poor, her grandfather took over the mantle of raising her and her siblings through the sale of art works, thus the reason for her dedication to the sector.
The Guest of Honor was Mrs. Esteeri Muhoozi, a conscientious entrepreneur, art lover, story teller and justice enthusiast. She told how she was taken on by the heat of the moment, having initially confessed that this was her first time to grace an occasion as a Guest of Honor. She said thus; ‘Art is to life, what faith is to the human soul’
Muhoozi urged her audience to purchase the various pieces on display as an appreciation of art. There was also a solo poetry performance by Nunu Umuringa, who had the audience feeding from the richness and depth as she recited her poetic works. Bruno Ruganzu Tusingwire, who represented all the EBIRUNGI exhibitors noted that an Artist is a reflection of their society.
He commended Latitude O for being one of the two places in Kampala, where art is appreciated both by availing them space and purchasing the products. A multimedia artist, Bruno is known for predominantly his work in intercepting the waste stream and recycled play grounds. He was later to introduce the official exhibitors who included; Natasha Karungi Kashushu a digital artist, and Adoa Francis, a Charcoal artist.
Others were; Majory Yeko, Nyaminugasha Mbabzi, a line artist, Tayebwa Ossward, Venus, a painter, Chadrack Makano, a painter, Onono Andrew, a painter, Herbert Katima, a painter and sculptor, Lwanga Emmanuel, a sculpture, Dr. Lillian Nabulime, a Sculptor and, Mulondo Patrick, also a Sculptor.
A percentage of the Proceeds from the sales of the art pieces will go to the benefit of FacesUP Uganda, a Charity Organization that uses art to educate and benefit children. The event was crowned by a meet and greet cocktail complete with rich nibbles from the Latitude O kitchen. The EBIRUNGI exhibition themed ‘An Ode to The Creators of Magical Things’ will run for the next 30 days at the same location.
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- Joan Atuhwera is a Business Administration Graduate, a Human Rights activist and writer with over five years’ experience in pursuing justice for others via her keyboard. She can also be reached via email: [email protected] or WhatsApp +256774334595
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The opening of EBIRUNGI was really incredible. Personally I found it amazing not only because I sold all artworks i showcased that very day but also as an emerging artist I was glad to get the opportunity meet some of amazing people (artists, art collectors…) i’ve been looking at for a while and get a chance to interact with some of them like mr. Bruno Ruganzu and others…
First and foremost, Latitude 0 hotel is one of the best hotels in the country that I have been to, at the first glimps I felt the place come to life because the different genres of Art and the indigenous touch to it just made me feel at home. The hospitality around the place and people was amazing I must say.
The second edition of the Ebirungi Art exhibition was a blast and one of a kind, to have a hotel appreciate Art to such depth and host such Art events bringing different upcoming and renowned artist together for a mutual purpose is so thrilling and powerful. This gives me absolute joy to see such productive activities that support Art and Artist in Uganda come to life. Big up to Latitude 0 Degrees Hotel for being a stepping stone and a home for Art.