Francis X. Nnaggenda

Born in 1936, Nnaggenda was raised in Buganda, which is the central part of Uganda. The Bugandans are renowned for the love for their culture, which is also disguised in mythology. Nnaggenda who received his artistic education in Germany and France balances externally acquired and indigenous sensibilities.

Francis Nnaggenda is a former head of the Department of Sculpture at the School of Fine Art, Makerere University. He is one of the leading African artists, whose expressionistic work, especially in sculpture, has drawn considerable acclaim. In his monumental sculpture titled "War Victim" at the main library of Makerere University he has expressed with deep emotion the violence of the society. The monument of the King of Buganda is a majestic work on the outskirts of Bulange, further works can be seen at Kennedy Centre Auditorium and Zurich Museum of Art.

Nnaggenda has been awarded the Meritus Certificate by "Who's Who in the World" for his services in the field of art.

Nnaggenda says: "I find myself closer to the human beings because they influence me more than anything else. I am a human being expressing the human experiences. But again my interpretation of human beings is inseparable from their surroundings". Commenting on his distorted shapes he replied "My figures and forms are not mere imitations of nature. I am more interested in the inner life of things, but sometimes as well in the combination of the two - the likeness and distortion."

Exhibitions:

Artworks (Click the pictures to see an enlargement):

1. "Don't look behind" - Sculpture / Wood-Silver
2. "Peace I" - Oil / Canvas - 40 x 50 cm
3. "Peace II" - Oil / Canvas - 100 x 140 cm