The Ugandan Artist in the International Art Scene

With notes and a discussion by Moses Serubiri (photographer, writer, journalist and curator) and Ian Mwesiga (visual artist) who have attended the Dak'Art 2014 and participated in KLA ART 014.

Many festivals and biennales have been emerging in Kampala in the past years; only in 2014 there were two biennales focusing on contemporary visual African art – the Kampala Art Biennale and the KLA ART 014. Yet again Ugandan art seems to be isolated within the African art scene, but also within the Ugandan society. Only a few artists seem to gain international recognition, which does not help to set the Ugandan art scene on the international map and create a dialogue around visual arts in Uganda.
Having observed and participated in the latest movements and developments of the Ugandan visual art scene, and having had the opportunity to visit the DakArt 2014 in Senegal this year, Moses Serubiri and Ian Mwesiga will share their impressions and discuss questions arising:
Where is the Ugandan artist in the international Art Scene?
Who directs the discourse on contemporary African art, and under what perspective?

Can biennales as the Kampala Art Biennale and KLA ART direct the Ugandan art scene out of its disconnection and isolation on an international level? Can they help creating the discourse?

The Art Forum will be moderated by Nathan Kiwere (visual artist, Chairman of UVADA and the Arterial Network Uganda Chapter), who is currently finishing his Anthology on Ugandan Visual Art which will be launched in February 2015.