Bio
Doddridge Busingye (b. 1990) is a Ugandan artist whose practice explores themes of identity, social justice, and cultural narratives. Based in Kampala, Busingye creates powerful visual stories that reflect both personal experiences and broader societal concerns.
He earned a Master’s degree in Fine Art from Makerere University in 2019 and a Bachelor’s degree in Art and Industrial Design from Kyambogo University in 2015. His academic background, combined with his deep engagement with history, politics, and social issues, has shaped his distinctive artistic voice. Busingye’s work often challenges societal norms, exploring the ironies within Uganda’s sociopolitical and economic landscape.
Central to his creative process is his ability to merge personal reflections with broader themes. His experiences with family, relationships, and everyday life deeply inform his work. Beyond introspection, Busingye’s practice is enriched by extensive research — drawing insights from books, documentaries, and current affairs — which allows him to present informed visual narratives that connect with diverse audiences.
Busingye’s work has been exhibited in prestigious galleries and exhibitions across major cultural hubs such as New York, Venice, Zurich, Dubai, and Kampala. His paintings have been widely collected, reflecting the resonance of his themes and the emotional depth of his storytelling.
In addition to showcasing personal struggles and triumphs, Busingye’s work invites viewers to reflect on issues of care, self-acceptance, and resilience. By blending symbolic imagery with striking compositions, he challenges perceptions while celebrating the complexities of human existence.
Committed to fostering meaningful dialogue, Busingye’s art continues to inspire conversations about identity, community, and social change. His work not only captures the realities of contemporary Uganda but also speaks to universal experiences, making his practice both deeply personal and widely relatable.
CV
Artist Statement
My work is an exploration of personal experiences, cultural reflections, and the nuanced emotions that shape human existence. Through bold colors and composed figures, I delve into themes of self-exploration, discovery, and expression. Each piece is thoughtfully arranged, where intention informs form, resulting in narratives that invite reflection and connection.
Rooted in both individual and shared experiences, my creative process is influenced by poetry, music, and film—art forms that inspire the titles and conceptual frameworks of my work. These references shape the relationships between my figures and their environments, creating visual stories that speak to universal themes of identity, care, and resilience.
Color is central to my practice. I frequently portray dark-skinned subjects using vibrant, dynamic palettes, creating a powerful contrast that draws attention to their presence and essence. This interplay between subject and color allows me to celebrate beauty, strength, and self-acceptance.
A defining moment in my artistic journey was participating in the 2018 Kampala Art Biennale (KAB) under the mentorship of Pascale Marthine Tayou. This experience introduced me to the use of ready-made objects, a medium I’ve since integrated into my practice to expand my visual language and storytelling.
Growing up in Kampala, Uganda, I have witnessed shifts in gender dynamics, urbanization, and political change. These experiences inform my work, inspiring me to reflect on social structures, personal growth, and the complexities of modern life. Ultimately, my art seeks to foster connection—inviting viewers to reflect on their own stories, embrace self-acceptance, and celebrate the beauty of their journey.
Exhibitions
Solo:
Unspoken Feelings and Buried Truths– Thierry Goldberg Gallery, NY- 2022
Trip to Mind – Jinja, 2020
Group:
Don’t Be a Square, AKKA Project, Venice, 2024
ORIGIN, Galerie von Vertes, curated by Destinee Ross-Sutton, March 7 – April 18, 2024, Zurich.
Trending Now- AKKA Project, Dubai- 2022
Kampala Contemporary- AKKA Project, Dubai- 2022
African Identities- AKKA Project, Venezia- 2022
Hamptons Fine Art Fair- New York, 2021
East meets East- Israel, 2020
Kampala Art Biannale – 2018
KLAART-2018
Jahres Akademie 60 year Anniversary, KAAD Bonn, Germany-2018
Art creates water- Kampala,2017
MabArti Challenge winners-Kampala,2016
Jamafest-Kampala,2016
Music is a feature of man-German Embassy, Kampala,2015
LaBa Arts Festival-2015