It includes several larger works that are a first for this talented artist from Kampala.
Pass-Port of opportunities, 2022 Acrylic on canvas 150.6 x 179.8 cm
Denis Mubiru was born and still lives in Kampala in Uganda.
His paintings are inspired by popular culture with bright colours and stylised imagery. A central theme in his work is transport and the migration or movement of people which is commonplace and material to the existence of many Africans.
His artworks often include roughly applied text which work to highlight thoughts of significance to the painting or his experiences at the time.
“I treat every work like a diary. I am still trying to get a message across or to express a reality. I always try to be honest with myself and the next person. I capture who I am as an individual and of where I have more affinity – with a warm and vibrant side of Africa.”
Flying the now, 2022 Acrylic on canvas 150.6 x 179.8 cm
Denis Mubiru’s vibrant, expressionistic works narrate the personal and the public life stories of everyday Africans. Chaotic, raw and colourful, Denis’s style encapsulates a gritty examination of contemporary urban African issues: economic inequality, human rights, social stratification, the environment and evolving personal relationships. Denis, a graduate of Nkumba University, intertwines his vivacious, almost garish use of colours with raw brushstrokes to convey the overwhelming chaos of life.
Times, 2022 Acrylic on canvas 120 x 120 cm
“In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different. This encourages me to always follow my heart no matter what. I will never follow society’s standards and norms because they do not define me. My works represent my character and lifestyle.”
Portrait of a random African boy, 2022 Acrylic on canvas 120 x 120 cm
He is an explorer of contemporary Africa: his visual texts spark dialogue about what it truly means to be here. His imagery is potent: mixing the abstract with the obvious and thereby creating a forceful story expressed on canvas. Born and raised in Kampala, Uganda, Denis’s paintings are often an exploration of Africa in transit: whether it be on a micro scale, by taking a kamunye or on a macro scale, with emerging economies. Denis’s interest in transportation, both physical and psychological, is evident in his art, creating works dedicated to Kampala’s Matatu (motorbike taxi) culture. His imagery of transit, the vehicles, the luggage, the people, the movement, is all indicative of our need to constantly be in motion, a state that he ascribes to contemporary Africa in particular
Levitation, 2022 Acrylic on canvas 120 x 120 cm
Denis has participated in numerous exhibitions both in Uganda, other countries in Africa and abroad. He is swiftly developing a strong following and collectors base who are expecting exciting things from this young and talented artist.
Standing in the winds of change, 2022 Acrylic on canvas 120 x 120 cmwww.themelrosegallery.com