Ethnicity can be identified as many things. Your country of origin, your cultural background, the color of your skin. The idea of ethnicity revolves around an identity that reflects upon who we are. By conversing one’s ethnic background, they are able to express themselves to others and use it as a tool to build up on their unique identity.
Ethnic art also serves this purpose. One is able to create unique art pieces that allow them to show the world their unique traits. Although the art may stem from a certain ethnic background, that fact only exists as the base or the primer. There is nothing generic about ethnic art. It cannot be stereotyped or properly categorized. Ethnic art is a growing entity on its own. Every single artist, practicing their own unique style and technique constantly adds to such growth, which makes ethnic art more unique, modern yet classic, exotic and simply one of a kind.

 

 

David Kibuuka has also strived to add to the growing tree of ethnic art. Together with Henry Lutalo Lumu, David Kibuuka became an advocate of the new Modern Batik Art Painting style. Stemming from the batik style that has been transmitted to East Africa in the early 60s, the modern touch added numerous elements such as the “fragmentation” technique and color manipulation. These additions allowed the Modern Batik style to turn into an entity of its own, rather than a simple extension of the tradition.
It is always important to have proper roots when you are looking at ethnic arts. The tradition is able to add legitimacy to the new styles and the process of change itself can be perceived as an evolutionary process for the art, allowing people to appreciate the change in trends.

 

 

If you are an artist looking for new inspiration, and is interested in the Modern Batik styles shown here, please visit the David Kibuuka website for more information. You will be able to find links to workshops and other local events that you may be able to attend to learn about the Modern Batik style, allowing you to create something unique on your own.

 

 

As an art collector or an art lover, you will find yourself to be a kid in a candy store when you visit the Zimbe Collection website that specializes in Modern Batik art collection created by David Kibuuka and other ethnic artists. If you are interested in purchasing the original paintings please contact the staff at either David Kibuuka’s website or the Zimbe Collection.

 

 

You may also find it interesting to visit the Lumu Kabasindi Foundation website. This charitable foundation based in Uganda, whose mission is to provide aid for orphans who have lost their children through HIV/AIDS, is a true support of ethnic art, allowing artists such as David Kibuuka to give back to the community he’s from. You will also be interested to know that great percentage of sales from the Zimbe Collection are donated to this charity as well. Purchase a piece of art and support the ethnic communities that makes such beautiful art possible.