Last evening Nuwa Wamala Nyanzi’s “FORTY YEARS OF BRUSH STROKES EXHIBITION” was opened up the Nommo Gallery. The event was attended by, The head of the European Union in Uganda, The Permanent secretary Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Director Information and National Guidance- Ministry of Information, ICT and National Guidance, President UVADA, Executive Director UNCC, Academicians, Col. Kulayigye, among others. The event will run up to 28th October 2018.
In his welcome remarks the ED UNCC, congratulated Nyanzi upon the 40 years in the Industry and appreciated his efforts for mentoring the young generation. He called upon the young people never to despise humble beginnings and always use every opportunity to for the betterment of their carriers.
Nyanzi shared with the guests his humble beginning in Narobi- Kenya in 1980 in Buruburu. Most interesting moment is when he did his first batiks which he took to sell out in art gallery and were almost rejected by the gallery owner if it weren’t by the tourist who came in at that time and bought all the pieces he had brought. The owner of the Gallery immediately placed another order and that was it.
It was an interactive evening where friends of Nyazi shared their inspirational stories with the guests. The stories ranged from being a young boy to working with National and International Organization. “Arriving in Nairobi in 1978, penniless, but with enough family ties to ease the otherwise what would have turned out to be a life full of hardships” he says and goes on to say that, that was the beginning of his remarkable artistic journey.
Over the years Nyanzi has become a well-known social and cultural commentator regionally and globally. His work grace many walls in high profile places including palaces, presidential residences. Embassies, and private residences to name but a few. It also graces magazine and book covers including the WHO’S World Health Report 1999, UNICEF greetings cards, Geographies of Globalisation, African Entrepreneurs of the Twenty First Century; Their Storied of Success, to mention but a few.
The Chief Guest – Head of the European Union delegation H.E. Attilio Pacifici met Nyanzi last year at the US Ambassador’s residence. He appreciated Nyanzi’s zeal for art and the way he has used it to put him where he is now.