Godwin Champs Namuyimba: The Dreamer

Posted by Fabio 5 November 2019

The Dreamer is the first exhibition in Europe by Ugandan painter Godwin Champs Namuyimba. The exhibition is comprised of a series of paintings depicting aspects of Namuyimba’s life in his hometown of Kampala.

Namuyimba draws inspiration from everyday life, friends and family are depicted in relaxed settings, surrounded by symbols of domesticity and cultural signifiers. Together the paintings form a narrative, recurring imagery (for instance the “Sankofa” bird – a traditional representation of reflection and learning from past experiences) act as cornerstones for Namuyimba’s portrayal of the world. Through these semi-arranged portraits he explores the construction of identity in relation to race and individuality, as told from the perspective of a young contemporary artist working in Uganda today.

Godwin Namuyimba (b. 1989) grew up in Masaka, Uganda. He currently lives and works in Kampala. He holds a BFA from Kyambogo University.