Stylistic tendencies charactering Ugandan visual arts

Abstract

This paper discusses the diverse visual art practices in Uganda, highlighting the stylistic tendencies that gave prominence of visual art production and techniques which have created many possibilities for Ugandan artists to explore, tending towards the conceptual art of the present. The discussion focuses on the visual art developments which saw the emergence and influence of local materials and resources, during the 1970s – 1980s and the period of experimentation, artistic styles, creative consciousness and global art participation in 1990s 2000s. The paper further gives an account on the establishment of Commercial art education in some tertiary and higher institutions in Uganda; the emergence of private art galleries and their significant contribution towards the promotion of Ugandan artists and the commercial art businesses. The analytical frame of reference focuses on local (and national) conditions of visual art reception, consumption and production of commercial art by selected, prominent Ugandan contemporary artists, attributing their contributions towards the development of visual art in Uganda