Interviews Paul Ndema

INTERVIEWS

"... The weavers explain the difference in craftsmanship and functions of the woven mats. These stories are important to me because they revive a rich traditional and cultural practice that is increasingly being ignored and forgotten over generations. The mat, in addition to its physical functionality, becomes a symbol of societal cohesion and harmony...." Paul Ndema

Copyright © Paul Ndema Ouganda, b. 1979, 2024, Acrylique et encre plastisol sur papier, 100 x 73,5 cm

INTERVIEWS

Paul Ndema, Artist

Interview by Francisco Lacerda. 5/08/2024

Paul Ndema, born in 1979, is a prominent contemporary painter living and working in Kampala, Uganda. With nearly two decades of experience, Ndema stands out as one of Uganda's leading artists. He was born in Mbarara, located in the western region of Uganda, and pursued his studies at the Margaret Trowell School of Industrial and Fine Art at Makerere University, graduating in 2002 with a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts.

Ndema has showcased his work in several notable exhibitions, including "Kampala Contemporary" at Circle Art Gallery in Nairobi (2016) and "East African Encounters" at the same gallery (2014). His art has also been featured at the Cape Town Art Fair (2016, 2015), the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair (2016), and the Kampala Art Biennale (2014).

Renowned in Kampala for his distinctive style, Ndema's paintings are easily recognizable through their use of portraiture and provocative subject matter. His work delves into themes such as politics, religion, cultural identity, sexuality, and history within Uganda and the broader context of global African society. Balancing subtle satire with tongue-in-cheek commentary, Ndema's art does not draw conclusions but instead poses thought-provoking questions. He achieves this through a blend of sharp humor, sensitivity to societal nuances, and exceptional technical skill.

Francisco Lacerda: These canvases, made of Plastisol inks and acrylic, are based on the stories from people you met at the market. Why are these stories important to you?

Paul Ndema: Different types of mats are usually woven for different purposes. For example, there are those that are specifically woven to encourage marital sexual harmony , spirituality and those that are a reserve for politically high standing individuals.
The weavers explain the difference in craftsmanship and functions of the woven mats. These stories are important to me because they revive a rich traditional and cultural practice that is increasingly being ignored and forgotten over generations. The mat, in addition to its physical functionality, becomes a symbol of societal cohesion and harmony.

FL: Many countries in Africa have different ethnic groups. These colors are based on the karyotype of each person you met. However, I wonder if these colors are related to each ethnic group. How did you choose those colors?

PN: The colours chosen are not exclusive or related to any ethnic groups. I chose the colours based on my emotional interpretation of the stories told by the weavers. The difference in their creative abilities with story telling, added drama to the colour selection process.

FL: Cultural identity and sexuality are also a focus of your work. What type of message do you want to convey when you create artworks that focus on this subject?

PN: When I make work that focuses on cultural identity and sexuality, I wish to convey a simple message of open mindedness, tolerance and unbiased curiosity about differences in cultural identities and sexualities, however alien they may seem.

@PaulNdema #PaulNdema @GalerieCHRISTOPHEPERSON

Thanks to: Christophe Person and Marie Moignard from art gallery Galerie CHRISTOPHE PERSON