Fabian Kamulu Mpagi

After graduation from Makarere University, Faculty of Fine Arts, Mpagi was a teaching assistant for a while and then resumed graduate studies in sculpture. He has since then attended study courses in Italy, France, Belgium, Austria and Holland and taught art in Uganda.

Mpagi's work does not belong to any particular movement. It has never been his ambition to develop a style or stick to a particular subject. Nevertheless his work is unmistakable. The recent paintings are characterised by bold realistic or semi-abstract humanoid forms, in thin and sometimes runny green and blue colours to cultivate mystic transparency. He tames the somber effect of his colours with strategically located highlights of yellow and white brush strokes. The figures in his works stand erect and stoic, like pieces of sculpture on the altar of an African shrine.

Mpagi uses a form of visual shorthand, picking out important characteristic details, which he emphasises with line, form, and colour.

A landscape is used as an excuse for creating pictures as well as ridding himself of images that haunt his imagination.

Since 1992 Mpagi manages the National Gallery, "Nommo Gallery" spending his time advising young artists and presenting works of established artists and young talents.

Exhibitions:

Artworks (Click the pictures to see an enlargement):

1. "The Thinker" (1993) - Drawing
2. "Tradition" (1995) - Oil / Canvas - 110 x 117 cm
3. "Attack" (1995) - Oil / Canvas
4. "Musicians" (1995) - Oil / Canvas - 120 x 90 cm