Michael Cliff Kibuuka: A Painter of Life and Light
Michael Cliff Kibuuka is a well-known artist from Kampala, Uganda, who gained recognition in the art world for his distinctive and alluring style.
Cliff Kibuuka (born 1980) is a Ugandan artist who has been painting since 2005. He has persistently continued to work with oil colors applied to canvas.
Michael Cliff Kibuuka is a well-known artist from Kampala, Uganda, who gained recognition in the art world for his distinctive and alluring style. His paintings have become mainstays at many of the city's upscale galleries, transforming ordinary sights into vibrant, surreal landscapes.
Early life and education
Kibuuka studied fine and industrial art at Makerere University more than ten years ago, which marked the beginning of his artistic career. He and a classmate organized a combined show for his first professional exhibition. For Kibuuka, the show was an exciting event, particularly after the Kabaka of Buganda bought one of his initial paintings.
Artistic Evolution
Kibuuka began his artistic career painting nature, with a focus on realism. But he soon found that this technique was no longer posing a challenge to him. According to Kibuuka, "My art has changed quite a bit." "I began by painting wildlife in a realistic manner. However, I quickly became bored." He was frustrated that so many people could paint the incredibly lifelike animals, and he was itching to make something fresh and original. As a result, he began "painting light."
Current Focus
Kibuuka now regards himself as a landscape painter, specializing in scenes of nightlife, markets, and slums. His most famous pictures, which include nighttime scenes from Kampala's expansive hills, have won the people a great deal of respect. Inspired by some of the Dutch masters and their use of light and brushstrokes, Kibuuka frequently employs a variety of colors and vibrant textures to create a mood that really speaks to the viewer.
Future Aspirations
Kibuuka hopes that his work will eventually be exhibited "in all four corners of the world.". “I would like my work to hang in one of the top museums,” he says, adding, "I’d like to be remembered as one of the good artists of my generation.".
In 2022, Cliff moved to Norway and has now established his new studio on the outskirts of Oslo.
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Conclusion
Michael Cliff Kibuuka’s art is a testament to his talent and his unique perspective on the world around him. His work is often on display around Kampala but can be found year-round at the Umoja Art Gallery. His journey from a wildlife painter to a landscape artist painting light showcases his evolution as an artist and his commitment to challenging himself. His dreamlike landscapes not only offer a glimpse into his world but also captivate and inspire those who view them.
EXHIBITIONS
Makerere University Art Gallery, Kampala (2005)
Ndere cultural Center, Kampala (2005)
Umoja art Gallery, Kampala (2014)
Afriart gallery_Kampala (2015)
Galerie Lumieres d'Afrique Brussels (2015)
The Talisman Nairobi (2017)
Umoja art Gallery, Kampala (2018)
Umoja art Gallery, Kampala (2019)
Galleri D6 Norway/Ås (2019)
Umoja art Gallery, Kampala (2020)
Galleri DU Norway/Ås (2021)
S9 Galleri Oslo (2022)
Galleri 1845, Norway/Fredrikstad (2022)
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