Sheila Nakitende
Ugandan
Omweeso Gwa Mululu
2016
Recycled paper, weaving paper, charcoal, and oil pastel
The Kampala Art Biennale, Kampala, Uganda
Nakitende unites her identities as a woman, an artist, and a Ugandan to emphasizes the importance of protecting and preserving the environment (Scudier, 2018). Omweeso Gwa Mululu refers to the traditional bukedo baskets made by female weavers in Uganda; bukedo baskets are emblems of Uganda identity. When translated from Swahili, Omweeso Gwa Mululu has two meanings: one of the pile and one of the heavens. The pile Nakitende hints at is the pile of trash, which she believes can be repurposed into something useful. Nakitende utilizes recycled paper, charcoal, and oil pastel to renew traditional techniques by transforming everyday items into something culturally relevant (Nakitende, 2018). Nakitende used scrap paper to construct Omweeso Gwa Mululu to inspire women to take control of their future and their household (Unseen Art Scene, 2012). Nakitende urges women to reassert their value and challenge their role in society, which is typically overlooked and ignored like recycled paper.
References:
- Nakitende, Sheila. “Sheila Nakitende.” Woman Made Gallery – Ensuring the Equal Placement of Women’s Art in the World., 19 Jan. 2018, womanmade.org/artwork/sheila-nakitende/.
- Scudier, Kathryn. “Pulpology: Sheila Nakitende in the Studio.” Women’s Studio Workshop, 1 Feb. 2018, wsworkshop.org/2018/02/sheila-nakitende/.
- Unseen Art Scene. “Sheila Nakitende | Ugandan Artist B.1983-Present.” African Artists, 3 June 2012, africanartists.blogspot.com/2012/03/sheila-nakitende-ugandan-artist-b1983_06.html.
