Biography
THE LION IS THE KING OF THE JUNGLE, THE HEAD OF THE FOOD CHAIN. MIGHTY MEN BEHAVE EXACTLY THE SAME WAY. THEY WANT TO CONTROL EVERYTHING AND OFTEN BEHAVE HYPOCRITICALLY.
- Arim Andrew
Born 1989 Kampala, Uganda, Arim was inspired from an early age to draw by his older brother who is an animator and illustrator. So although he studied Social Sciences at university, he determined to make art his full time career.
His work has concentrated on hyper-realistic metaphoric portraiture, juxtaposing satire with social com- mentary in ways that connect the popular culture and politics in Africa with the classical portrait painting tradition.
The artist’s participation in ’Surfaces 2017’ (A biannual conceptual development workshop by Afriart Gallery Kampala) has propelled his practiced development, towards telling stories in a broader political-social nar- rative that can be situated in a global context.
His debut solo exhibition ‘A Portrait of Power, Control and Authority’ 2018 is a testimony to this wide-ranging approach to his subject-matter.
An avid reader of comic books, Arim’s favorite book is Hellspawn, an American published Comic book that is described as atmospheric with the often disturbing subject matter. That inspiration from the book can intricately be felt through his works.
Andrew Arim makes large lifelike oil paintings with lion heads on human bodies. They are men who wear officer uniforms, fancy suits or papal clothing. In his work, he questions authority, power and control in Ugandan politics, religion and society.
Arim explains that children are also concerned with power and status.They want to become a child soldier or star soccer player or emigrate to America; the beginning of the African brain drain. But of course they just want to play in the first place ...
Arim explains that children are also concerned with power and status.They want to become a child soldier or star soccer player or emigrate to America; the beginning of the African brain drain. But of course they just want to play in the first place ...
Works
Solo & Group Show
Arim Andrew CV
Born 1989, Kampala, Uganda
EXHIBITIONS
2024
The Black Ghost - Chapter 2, Primo Marella Gallery, Lugano, Switzerland
2022
The Black Ghost, Primo Marella Gallery, Milan, Italy
2020
Playing to the Gallery, Afriart Gallery
2019
Afriart Gallery at ART X Lagos 2019, Afriart Gallery
2018
A Portrait of Power, Control and Authority, Afriart Gallery, Kampala, Uganda
Kampala Art Biennale, Kampala, Uganda
2017
Surfaces, Afriart Gallery, Kampala, Uganda
2013
CSO (Civil Society Organisation) Fair, Hotel Africana, Kampala
2012
Solo Exhibition, Nommo Gallery, Kampala
2011
East African Art Biennale, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; 2010 Kyambogo University Gallery,
Kampala
Publications
