Page 31 - Jan-March 2025

ART FEATURE

shapes and images. Constantly on display is a range
of Clan totems depicting the symbolic cultural identities
uniting wildlife with tradition.
The social and environmental concerns of the
Rwenzori Sculpture Foundation permeate the whole
organisation where sourcing local materials, recycling
and restoration are fully integrated into the production
of the sculptures. Bees wax from our own as well as
other honey producers is used to model beautiful
and intricate sculptures which are then transformed
It is art however, that is the major reason for a visit through the lost wax process into the permanence and
to the foundation. The gallery which was designed by richness of bronze. Recycled vehicle sump oil is filtered
Kilburn and Nightingale, was awarded the annual prize providing a sustainable source of energy to power the
of the architecture associations prize for sustainability; furnaces melting metal at temperatures in excess
its dramatic profile echoing the hills and mountains of 1000 degrees centigrade. Long hours of skilled
behind it whilst within its walls a changing exhibition of metalwork and chasing leads to the final finishing of
world class sculpture is always on show. Surrounding the cast bronzes using chemical compounds to colour
the gallery, a sculpture trail of larger works winds its the sculptures in subtle hues that either enhance
way around the features of the landscape including their modernity or echo antiquity in their organic and
an attractive Lilly-filled pond, alive with fluttering appropriate patina.
butterflies, the sights and sounds of abundant bird life.
Guided tours of the foundry are available for a modest
fee, the gallery and grounds are free. This instructive
visit is a must-see; the intricacies of the 6,000-year-
old technology are explained through the range
of examples currently going through the process.
Uganda’s leading sculptors are using the technique
in increasingly creative ways rivalling each other in
forevermore challenging masterpieces.
The majority of works are cast in bronze and they
vary from hand size to large sculptures fit for outdoor
locations of private gardens, corporate or civil
monument in a more public context. The casting of
a life size charging Buffalo is a project currently in
progress and will be an outdoor monument celebrating
the health of a community.
A wide variety of subjects sculpted are represented
at the Foundation; wildlife, village life, contemporary
culture and current issues regardless, percolate The opportunity to purchase a real work of art of the
through to the imagery that preoccupy or concern the rich cultures of Uganda rather than a mere road side
artists. Other media than bronze is also used to create souvenir is a prime objective of the Foundation, as
sculptures, stone, marble, wood, semi-precious stone is the promotion of Ugandan sculpture both on the
and steel are all expertly manipulated into significant ground at the onsite gallery and through affiliated art
galleries abroad.
The Foundation is open to visitors daily and the coffee
shop provides a welcome break from long drives
between the major national parks in the region.
Please give advance warning where possible all
welcome
Emmanuel +256 702 858 556
Isaac +256 782 238 036
Winnie. +256 702 946 453

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