The exhibition, hosted at The Summit Residences in Naguru in collaboration with Amasaka Gallery, delves into the politics of hair as both a personal and collective symbol among people of African descent. Through detailed ballpoint pen drawings, Gayi reimagines Afro hair as a site of resistance, memory, and self-determination, while confronting lingering colonial and Eurocentric beauty standards.....
CONTINUEWhen you meet Eric Joe Gayi, you will be drawn to his hair rolled into small dreadlocks, the rings he wears on his fingers, and that wilful smile that leaves you thinking, “He’s such a bold young man.” When he says he’s an artist, you will not be surprised, and his art will instantly grip your attention because it is unapologetically bold with visual metaphors of naked human figures that are a representation of his personal experiences and immediate surroundings..
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The artworks feature striking figures in blue and black ink. The blue figures represent conformity, those who alter their natural hair for acceptance while the black figures, with surreal honeycomb-textured faces, symbolize authenticity and resilience
Ugandan artist Eric Joe Gayi, one of the Absa L’Atelier 2023 Ambassadors, is set to unveil his solo exhibition titled Breaking the Norm, an evocative exploration of Afro hair, identity, and cultural pride...
CONTINUEGayi made history as one of the top winners at the Absa L’Atelier 2023 Awards, held at The Galleria in Sandton, Johannesburg, where he became the first artist from Uganda to gain major spotlight at this Pan-African art competition. As a winner, he earned a residency in South Africa, attended masterclasses with international art experts, and received support to host his own exhibition in Uganda. His work...
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The winners included one continent-wide winner as well as 11 winners from countries within the Africa region. Ugandan artist Gayi Eric was named the 2021 BIC Art Master Africa champion. His portrait titled ‘Circle of Life’ was created using four BIC Ball Pens and took a total of 210 hours to complete..
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