Abstraction and realism in East African art

James is a self taught Ugandan artist who was first recognized by his grandmother while he was still a child.  Continuing as a commissioned portrait artist, he quickly expanded his technique and vision to become a noncommercial artist.  This path, however, was interrupted when Uganda fell into political turmoil in the late 1970's.  James moved to Kenya and later to the United States, where he continues to let his East African roots shine through his art.  Interested in abstraction and

realism, he (along with several other Ugandan artists) began combining the two techniques together.   The visual results, combined with African subject matter are unique, offering an aesthetic sensibility that incorporates Renaissance style realism with contemporary western abstraction.

”I strive to achieve the best in me.  I love my work.”

The Flute Player

Beauty

Social Moment

Sound and Motion

Kabaka's Trumpeters

Fragile Beauty

Mask

New Dawn

Creation

Inheriting

The Earring