Annual Njabala Exhibition

2024

Helena Uambembe Helena Uambembe, In Memory We Love Installation. Image courtesy of Jahmek Contemporary Art and the artist.

Njabala: An elegy

March 8 – 23, 2024,

Makerere Art Gallery

Now in its third edition, the Annual Njabala Exhibition (ANE) 2024 titled Njabala: An elegy presents an emotionally stirring art exhibition dedicated to exploring the theme of grief through the artistic lens of women artists. Each artist will share her narrative, inviting visitors to engage with the universal emotions surrounding loss, healing and transformation. The ANE 2024 goes beyond mere artistic expression; it is a poignant invitation for attendees to embark on a collective journey of healing and connection.

The exhibition’s narrative is intertwined with the aftermath of the pandemic, offering a unique lens through which visitors can connect with the shared experiences of a world forever changed. As we collectively process the losses, isolation, and uncertainty of the chaotic world we inhabit today (characterized by wars, femicides, economic regress, environmental hazards, to mention but a few), the exhibition aims to serve as a compassionate exploration of grief’s transformative power and its capacity to strengthen our bonds as a global community.

While the exhibition delves into the depths of grief, it equally celebrates the indomitable spirit of resilience that has emerged from adversity. Through art, we bear witness to stories of hope, strength, and renewal, affirming the human capacity to overcome even the darkest moments. This exhibition will stand as a testament to the triumph of the human spirit and the unwavering power of creativity in times of upheaval. It will be a transformative and enlightening experience that honours our losses and nurtures our healing.

The ANE is produced by Njabala Foundation a not-for-profit organisation based in Uganda and founded in 2021 by Ugandan curator Martha Kazungu to facilitate visibility for women artists in Africa and its diaspora through exhibitions, research, mentorship and community engagement. The ANE opens every year on March 8 to commemorate International Women’s Day. The Njabala Foundation has held two successful editions of ANE with the maiden edition titled Njabala: This is not How in 2022 and the second titled Njabala: Holding Space in 2023.