Equation's
Gallery
29-8-2004
"Messenger" by Paul Ssendagire. Ssendagire was born in 1979 in Kinaawa village, Wakiso district. He has a degree in Fine Arts from Makerere University attained in 2002. Because his mother is a teacher, he also always wanted to be one. So, on completing his Fine Arts studies he immediately studied for a diploma in education at Makerere University’s School of Education. Now he teaches art at St. John’s College, Mpigi and Bright Future Vocational Secondary School in Kawempe. He is vice president of the Uganda Printmakers Association. Ssendagire first participated in an exhibition at the Nommo gallery in the Nude exhibition of 2001. Then in 2002 was in the All Artists Annual also at Nommo Gallery. Since then he has been very active taking part in many exhibitions both in Uganda and overseas.
In 2004, besides this show at Equation Café, he has so far taken part in the 3rd Lessedra world art print annual in Bulgaria; the Art and sport contest at the Olympic Museum in Switzerland; he is representing Uganda at the Olympics of Visual Art in Greece; took part in the International Women’s Day show at Nommo Gallery in Kampala and also the Discoveries exhibition at Tulifanya Gallery in Kampala. In 2003 Ssendagire had his first solo show at Alliance Francaise de Kampala; was part of the East African Art Biennale in Tanzania; the All Artists Annual and the Printmakers exhibition both at Nommo Gallery; and the National Art and Sport Contest at the Uganda Museum.
He has taken part in art workshops mostly with Ngoma studios including one at their premises in Bukoto, Kampala; with students of Nakaseke Primary Teachers College, Luweero and with students and teachers of Kiziba Primary School, also of Luweero all in 2004. As part of the printmakers association he organized and took part in a workshop at their studios at Nommo gallery in 2003 and another printmakers workshop at the school of Fine Arts, Makerere University in 2002.
Ssendagire has won a few awards including special prize in 3rd Lessedra World Art Print Annual in Bulgaria in 2004; the Golden Horse 2003 Award which was presented to him for the highest fundraising rocking horse in the Abato exhibition in Kampala; and he was the 1st prize winner in the national Olympic art and sports contest 2003 in the Graphics category. Ssendagire has been commissioned to illustrate Kawa Com’s International brochure. Also of note is his artwork that appears on some of Eagle Lager’s products.
Paul Ssendagire is one of the few leading names in the woodcut printmakers of Uganda today who also include Willington Mutebi, Fred Mutebi and Henry Mzili Mujunga.
All at Equation's charming Gallery and Cafe' On the Equator Line, Masaka Road (Less than one hour’s drive from Busega, Kampala) Along with special creations by children living with AIDS, and select antiquities and handiwork. Gallery design, concept and maintenance by Nathaniel Dunigan, Founder and Director, Aidchild. Coordination of wall pieces and sculptures by Margaret Nagawa, Artist, Curator, and former Chairperson, Uganda Artists Association. 077.61.68.61 equation@aidchild.org. ALL of the Gallery's PROCEEDS go to the care of orphans living with AIDS
www.aidchild.org/equation.html