AfricanColours - Nuwa Wamala

Uganda Tue 17-02-2009

Nuwa Wamala – Nnyanzi
By a Correspondent

His works are world famous. Some have earned an apt description as “art that touches the heart”. Yet for Nuwa Wamala – Nnyanzi, a self-taught visual arts practitioner/consultant – his enduring concern for humanity and cultural issues so vividly mirrored in his work, is a constant source of inspiration.

He is able to manipulate colours and shapes to conjure up captivating images – which minutely depict motion and emotion in his subjects. His work is also used as psychosocial therapy for traumatized children and adults.

Widely traveled, Nnyazi has over the years developed an affinity for working with batik, oil, acrylic and water colours. His artistic career took root in 1978 in Nairobi, Kenya where he lived until 1990 before moving back to his homeland, Uganda .

Born in 1952, the father of two attained a diploma in Industrial Art and Design from YMCA Crafts Training Centre, in Kenya and more recently an MA Design (Professional practice) from Middlesex University, UK .

A key and distinct aspect in his work is the use of sensuous and flowing lines complemented by thought-provoking, radiant, vibrant and highly expressive colours. His choice of titles, which are as graphic as they are poetic, is often described as being an integral part of Nnyanzi’s art.

Primarily hinged on social and cultural commentaries, his work is available in limited edition lithographic prints. One of his pieces featured on the cover of 1999 World Health Report, while others have graced calendars, book/magazine covers and greetings cards – including as a series of UNICEF’s seasonal cards collection.

Besides displaying paintings at numerous international and local exhibitions, the artist has been commissioned by institutions like Coca-Cola International, Oxford University Press, Kenya and University of Transkei in South Africa .

Nnyanzi also conducts regular workshops for educational institutions or selected audiences – where he presents talks and slide presentations on African anthropological topics; the art and material culture of the centuries-old Buganda Kingdom.

Nnyanzi who served as a State Minister in the Buganda Kingdom from 1992 to 2002 – is currently director, Uganda Tourist Board and Vice-Chair of National Arts and Crafts Association of Uganda (NACAU ).

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