In a site-specific exhibition located in the Kaberamaido district, seasoned visual artist Wamala Joseph Kyeyune and multidisciplinary designer, Kenneth Kanaabi, partner to bring forth Saints and Sinners: Illustrations of Existence.

Using his life’s experiences in Kampala, and Adelaide, Australia as a reference point, Kyeyune’s paintings anchored by religious motifs challenge the relationship between the signified and the signifier.

As is the norm with Kyeyune, his works are characterized by iron sheets as a backdrop, which in this body of work, he uses to symbolize limitations in belief which in turn deter one from self-actualization.

Similarly, Kanaabi’s multicultural exposure; having grown up in Uganda and then living in the Canary Islands of Spain has tremendously impacted his work which explores the different possibilities for local materials in architecture.

In 2020, he began his exploration of the malleability of papyrus. This resulted in a furniture collection; Kitole, that comments on the power of togetherness. For this exhibition, Kanaabi will together with the community in Kaberamaido, and based on recurring themes in Kyeyune’s body of work, construct the showroom that will house the exhibition using papyrus and eucalyptus.

Why Kaberamaido?

Located in Eastern Uganda, Kaberamaido is home to one of the oldest grass-thatched churches. Built in 1965, the Omodoi church structure has stood the test of time with mud and wattle held together by papyrus walls and roofing.

This exhibition pays homage to this architectural ingenuity while creating and contributing to dialogue around the outstanding themes of religion, and perception.

The Installation was set up in Kamuk Village at the Okudu Memorial Stadium; A space that is dedicated to the youth of that village to encourage them to engage in productive co-curricular activities. This space offers us a direct link to the youth who are the bearers of our future.