Music and Dance on Canvas

David Kigozi and Muwonge Kyazze interrogate social cultural aspects of daily life through depiction of traditional and contemporary music and dance styles on canvas in two man’s show.

ART | DOMINIC MUWANGUZI | There’s excitement and vibrancy in the exhibition Taking on the Mantle by two artists Muwonge Kyazze and David Kigozi at Umoja Art gallery. Each of the artists has a different artistic background and approach to their work which is exciting. Equally the subject matter or themes that dominate their work in this exhibition, communicated through vibrant hues on canvas, semi- abstract images and music imagery, offer lingering conversation on their work. The paintings mostly interrogate the subject of music and dance, within the context of our traditional and contemporary social well-being. Here, music and dance is discussed and perceived as a form of expression and vessel to preserve the norms and traditions of cultures.

David Kigozi’s captivating compositions of contemporary music personalities or depiction of particular dances of the Baganda like Bakisimba, is suggestive of the artist’s intent to draw us to the subject matter. These performers or their music, like Afrigo Band, Lucky Dube, Philly Lutaaya and Elly Wamala are iconic figures and referencing them and their work immediately sparks interest and attention in the work on showcase. Though they’re famous, their music carries influence of other artistes from different places and cultures like South Africa, Congo and West Africa, hence different cultures are preserved in the music. Notably, many music genres in Uganda are influenced by tit bits of Afro beat and traditional folklore music.

While the artist steers our minds and feelings to the groovy and melodic legendary tunes of these artistes through sketchy drawings washed in warm and colourful palette, he subtly delves into the aspect of marrying the traditional and contemporary in his paintings. Music and dance, part of the African heritage, is a major facet of several African societies and this is evident with many cultural festivities like childbirth, marriage, worship and death which are celebrated with recreational activity. Kigozi navigates this idea in his art by drawing on local compositions of local artistes that are inspired by both traditional and modern musical elements. He uses the technique of titling some of his artworks names of these songs or lyrics like Solome, Silkulimba and Born in Africa. These songs have a storytelling aspect to them which’s unique to folklores and other traditional forms of music. More so, traditionally, beyond offering entertainment to the guests, music was used as a tool to educate or pass on important message to the audience.

On the other hand, Kyazze Muwonge’s semi- abstract paintings are nuanced with the theme of cultural heritage, with a particular leaning towards the Buganda social cultural lifestyle. The artist for example interrogates certain norms and traditions of the Baganda like the material traditionally used to carry a child- Engozi -and through the process, evokes proverbs which are attached to these traditions and practices. It is a custom among the cultural grouping to relate traditions and practices with proverbs as a means of providing deeper meaning and understanding of these particular traditions. Equally, he references the Nakasa dance, a popular dance performed at social gatherings within Buganda, to convey how dance was used as a medium to communicate. The different Kiganda dances performed at particular functions within Buganda had each a metaphorical meaning and this was depicted in the way they were performed.

The intersection in both the artists’ work is the interrogation of the theme of social cultural heritage, focusing on particular aspects of culture like music and dance. More so, their work is a reflection of their personal experiences and immediate surroundings. Kigozi’s choice of subject matter is largely influenced by his experience with music, especially the “oldies” which has inspired many contemporary compositions we listen to today. It is also possible that the artist has attended some of these social gatherings where these groups perform in order to capture the mood and feelings he depicts so seamlessly on his canvases. Similarly, Muwonge’s approach to the traditions of Buganda in his body of work is a reflection of the strong bond he has with his cultural heritage as a Muganda. With a more revered background working with stained glass which require extensive research, Muwonge brings forth this experience in researched themes in his work in this exhibition.

As such, both Kigozi and Muwonge excel in this exhibition as they accurately respond to the theme of the exhibition: Talking on the Mantle. Their work speaks of taking on the mantle to preserve our social cultural heritage through art and other aspect of daily life, the way musicians do with their music and dance.

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The exhibition is showing now at Umoja Art Gallery located on Mukalazi Road, Moyo close, Bukoto, near Kampala International School of Uganda (KISU).