A transition on Canvas

What the report says

The Independent Uganda reports on "Transition," a new exhibition by Ugandan artist Paul Lubowa, who has moved from a long career teaching at Makerere University Art School into full-time artmaking after retirement. The article presents the show as both a personal and artistic turning point, with Lubowa using the period to reassess his practice and explore renewal, resilience and self-discovery through painting.

According to the publisher, Lubowa’s work focuses on scenes and symbols drawn from everyday life and Buganda cultural traditions, including introduction ceremonies, musical gatherings and gendered roles. His canvases repeatedly feature items such as the Gomesi, Kanzu, drums and mats, rendered in bright acrylic colors. The article says he combines these with a cubist approach that breaks figures into geometric shapes, creating layered compositions that invite viewers to look more closely.

The piece argues that the new body of work shows greater refinement and energy, possibly reflecting the freedom of retirement after years of teaching. It also frames Lubowa’s practice as a commentary on transition itself, suggesting that retirement can be a period for growth rather than withdrawal. For readers, the exhibition highlights both contemporary Ugandan painting and the continued influence of cultural heritage in visual art.

The show is on view at AKA Gallery in Kamwokya, Kampala, located on Bukoto Street near Alliance Francaise and Goethe-Zentrum, and the gallery’s listed hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.