Ian Mwesiga, Swimmer and Man standing by the pool, 2023. Courtesy of the artist and Mariane Ibrahim.
In his interview with Nicolas Vamvouklis for Les Hommes Publics, artist Ian Mwesiga discusses his artistic journey, influences, and creative process. Based in Kampala, Uganda, he reflects on the lack of institutional support for artists but credits a newly established non-profit for offering key opportunities early in his career.
Inspired by the vibrant, chaotic energy of Kampala, his creative process is spontaneous and intuitive, often sparked by everyday moments. Focusing on portraiture, Mwesiga explores themes of identity, emotion, and solitude, using self-portraits for self-reflection. He values color as a vital emotional tool in his work and admires artists like Peter Doig, Georg Baselitz, and Kerry James Marshall for their explorations of identity.
Mwesiga views his work as a contribution to Black art history, documenting life, culture, and emotions for future generations. He sees art as a powerful tool for change, offering new perspectives and fostering self-reflection. Currently, he is preparing for his next solo exhibition at our Parisian space in 2025, focusing on themes of reality and contrasting perspectives.
