‘ A C H O L I S T O R Y ’
PICKINGS OF THE NORTHERN UGANDA WAR SITUATION
A VISUAL ART EXHIBITION BY ERIA ‘SANE’ NSUBUGA
STARTING 29TH JUNE 2004 AT ALLIANCE FRANCAISE, KAMPALA, UGANDA.
"The only ingredient necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing" Edmund Burke. (1729-1797)
He is not an authority on the question, and God knows he does not want to be one, he has not even been to the area in question, yet this young and seemingly determined individual is pressing for a stake in a situation that has gone on for most of his entire life.
Eria, 25, belongs to a group of 7 young working artists, the likes of Henry Mzili Mujunga, Enoch Mukiibi, Ronex Ahimbisibwe, Rosa Odido Achola, Grace Akello and Paulo Mwesigwa Akiiki(founder) who call themselves Index MASHARIKI and who are committed to making a positive impact on their society through their art.It is likely that he might be ignored, and he says that does not matter either. He feels that if he does not contribute to this discussion about the events of a part of his own country, then his conscience will continue to trouble him.
Eria Nsubuga also known as Sane is a visual artist (painter) on a mission. His work depicts the views of one seeking his relevance in his contemporary society. He seeks to address the pertinent issues that are oppressing sections of society. One universal idea in his work is the natural role of the Victim that women and children have been handed in conflicts everywhere.
Eria’s presentation is not meant for those sadists looking for the latest gruesome and graphic piece of pictorial information; it is for those who care enough to know that this is our war, all of us as Ugandans and that we are in this terrible situation together.
This presentation is dedicated to those made to become refugees in IDPS in their own country, to those forced to bear the children of rapists, to those caught in the evil cycle wave of forcefully passed on scourges, to those commuting from place to place in spite of the night and its dangers.
Proceeds from art sales form this exhibition will be handed over to a trusted humanitarian organization working for the aid of these troubled people in Uganda.
As a visual artist, I have a part to play. Through my symbolic image presentation on canvas and other surfaces I intend to tell the world that we stand with our brothers and sisters who have been abducted, raped, traumatized, murdered, made to kill their own families, dismembered, and disfigured that we are weeping and hurting with them. The benefit for the people in the north of Uganda affected by the continuous war is that another voice is added to articulate the need situation back there.
The time for looking on and doing nothing is past. We need action today, action, and any action at all. Those who shout must shout those who sing must sing those who dance must dance and those of us who can paint we must paint to compel others to realize that we tired to death of war. Such is the urgency of the situation in the north of my country, Uganda. We are part of one body, and one part is ailing now, ominously even. It is imperative that everyone in any way they can should come to their aid and remind them that they are not forgotten.
"You are not forgotten"
I intend to make pictorial representations of the tragic, yet largely ignored everyday experiences of the victims of the almost twenty year old Northern Uganda conflict. Without doubt, the women and children of most parts of Acholiland, some areas in Lango and Teso regions have been adversely affected by effects of war and its close companion Disease. Still the Acholi story is the one that needs most to be told. I would like to play a small part in telling this story.
