What is your heritage?

I'm Ugandan and Rwandan, raised in east London.

 

How does your own identity and culture influence your work?

Being African and knowing about my culture has had a big influence on my work ever since my creative journey began. I express this in whichever given style I choose to create my work. This could be thicker lines, bold shapes, prints, layering or even choices of colour.

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My work often references many different themes, some with hidden meaning. 

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In your opinion, what more can be done within the European arts industry for black artists to get the recognition they deserve and be represented equally? 

The European art industry needs to be more open minded about black artists and their culture. There are so many gifted artists who are more than capable of exhibiting in the mainstream realm, but many are judged instantly. European arts committees and institutions need to give change a chance.

 

What does your work celebrate? 

My work celebrates unity, life, oddness and happiness. My themes will continue to change as I keep evolving as an artist through life experiences.

  

Do you think creativity is something that can be taught or must it come naturally? 

It is a mixture of both, but do I feel like it's always about the individual and how far they are willing to push themselves to unlock another side of themselves.

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What is you earliest memory? 

I remember I was 10 years old in primary school when I entered an art competition to illustrate how the Borough of Newham will look in the year 2000. I envisioned something futuristic,like Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner film. I ended up getting the highly commended prize. That’s when I thought of doing art as a side thing (sports was my first passion). My true calling was art, which developed over the years.