Martin Senkubuge
Martin Senkubuge (b.1996) is a Ugandan Artist, Researcher and Curator based in Kampala, who is known for his transformative charcoal drawings on paper inspired by the beauty of vitiligo.
The trailblazer is developing 'Vitiligo Art Movement' as a permanent solution to a lifelong challenge. He uses his work to incapacitate myths and stereotypes by educating many about vitiligo, portraying the beautiful side to challenge a lifelong challenge that has existed for over 3,000 years.
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He is a recipient of the Tilga Art Fund 2023 and Follow on Fund from the British Council. His work has been featured in the Guardian, Vanity Fair Magazine Italia, inewspaper UK, on different BBC World Service Radio and TV programs, Associated Press - Africanews, TV5 Monde France, Daily Art Magazine, Beautiful News South Africa, Okay Africa, Daily Monitor Uganda and many others. His artworks represented Uganda in ‘The Art of Africa Exhibition 2022’ at the Ven at Embassy Row Washington DC, celebrating 20 years of African Union. He participated in the British Connect Delegation to the 59th Venice Biennale, Venice Italy November 2022.
Artist's Statement
Through my charcoal drawings on paper, I aim to shed light on the beauty and unique aspects of vitiligo, serving as a catalyst for awareness. Employing a meticulous layering technique, I delve into the stories of both the models and myself. With an unwavering attention to detail, my artistic style embodies hyperrealism, enabling me to achieve an enhanced sense of reality.
My passion lies in amplifying the voices of marginalized and stigmatized minority groups of people mostly people living with vitiligo in Uganda and across Africa. Vitiligo is not merely a medical condition; it is deeply intertwined with sociocultural implications reason why it is associated with various myths. The contrasting blotches on the skin fascinate me, forging a profound connection between my work and the natural world. When viewed in the context of my background, ideas, and unified technique, each drawing radiates vitality and significance.
Continuously pushing boundaries and experimenting, I aim to enlighten viewers with scientific facts about vitiligo while dismantling myths and stereotypes. I challenge ingrained superstitions by captivating public attention, sparking diverse conversations, and igniting new imaginations for a socially transformative Africa. Ultimately, my art endeavors to instill optimism, fostering a culturally united and stigma-free society.
Artist's Resume
Education:
2021 B.A Industrial and Fine Arts, MTSIFA, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, First Class Honors Degree, CGPA 4.54
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Solo Exhibition:
2021 Part of Us Exhibition – 1st Edition, Goethe Zentrum/UGCS Premises, Kampala, Uganda
Group Exhibitions:
2023 Wine Down Friday Art Exhibition, the Bight of Benin Restaurant, Kampala, Uganda
2022 - 2023 The Art of Africa Exhibition,’ the Ven at Embassy Row Washington DC, USA
2020 Art Salon, MOTIV Ug, Kampala, Uganda
2019 Walls Speak, Kingdom Kampala, Uganda
2019 History Unmasked, Makerere Art Gallery, Kampala, Uganda
Grants & Workshops:
2023 Recipient, Tilga Art Fund 2023, United States of America.
2023 Recipient, Follow on Fund, British Council.