Gayi Eric Joe
I am Eric Joe Gayi, a contemporary artist born in Kampala, Uganda, whose creative practice is rooted in meticulous ballpoint pen drawing—a medium through which I explore ideas of identity, culture, perception, and the human condition. My work blends elements of surrealism and hyperrealism, using intricate detail to build visual narratives that challenge assumptions and invite deep reflection. I draw inspiration from personal experiences, collective memory, and the rich textures of African culture, always striving to reveal the beauty and complexity of the subjects I portray.
My artistic journey has been shaped by academic training in Commercial Industrial Art and Design at Nkumba University, leadership roles such as President of the Nkumba University Art Society, and recognition through awards and ambassadorial roles including Absa L’Atelier Ambassador and Bic Art Master Ambassador. I have contributed to the field not only through my own creations but also as an adjudicator for the Bic Art Master competition and as a passionate mentor to emerging artists.
In 2025, I presented my most ambitious project to date—Breaking the Norm, a solo exhibition hosted at The Summit Residences in Naguru, Kampala, in collaboration with Amasaka Gallery. Breaking the Norm is a profound visual exploration that reclaims Afro hair as a powerful symbol of identity, self-determination, and cultural pride, confronting deeply rooted Eurocentric and colonial beauty standards through ballpoint pen works that examine conformity and authenticity. The exhibition features intricately rendered figures in blue and black ink: the blue figures representing conformity and attempts at societal acceptance, and the black figures, with surreal honeycomb-textured faces, embodying resilience, authenticity, and self‑determination. This body of work—and the conversations it sparked about beauty, belonging, and self‑expression—reflect my commitment to using art as a medium for social commentary and cultural reclamation
My work has been exhibited across Uganda and beyond, including:
- Breaking the Norm, The Summit Residences, Naguru, Kampala, 2025
- Absa L’Atelier Residency Exhibition, 2024
- Blossom, Njabala Foundation, 2024
- Human Emotions, SCIAD, 2023
- Circle of Life, Bic Art Master, 2021
My work has been featured in major publications including ART AFRICA Magazine, Daily Monitor, and New Vision Paper, and is held in permanent collections such as the Absa Gallery in South Africa and Bic Art Master in Dubai. Beyond exhibitions and publications, I continue to develop my skills in acrylic and watercolour painting, portraiture, and teaching—dedicated to inspiring others to see art not just as an aesthetic experience, but as a powerful tool for dialogue and transformation.
Artist Statement
Eric Joe Gayi’s artwork explores black identity through the lens of Afro hair – a symbol of heritage, resistance and personal truth. Using ballpoint pen on paper, Joe creates detailed portraits that speak to the tension between self-expression and societal conformity. Each piece takes hours to complete and is layered through hatching techniques that mirror the quiet persistence required to exist authentically in spaces that often demand erasure.
The figures in Joe’s work are both real and symbolic. Blue bodies represent those who alter their hair for acceptance. Black figures, textured with surreal honeycomb patterns, reflect those who remain natural and are met with discomfort or rejection. These dualities speak to the psychological impact of colonial legacies and Eurocentric beauty standards.
Joe’s relationship with Afro hair is personal, as he was once denied a job because of his hair. The experience of being scorned for looking irresponsible ignited this series and deepened his commitment to affirming black identity without apology. Through his art, Joe reclaimshis cultural and traditional narrative and creates space for dialogue, pride and healing.