Afriart Gallery presents ‘Sit With Me: The Diary of A Free Thinker’, by Charlene Komuntale, on display until December 20th.

Charlene Komuntale, a Ugandan painter, born in 1991, began her artistic journey with concept art and digital painting during her Animation studies at Limkokwing University. After graduating, she worked as a freelance artist in Uganda, focusing on portraiture and illustrations. In 2021, she joined the ‘Silhouette Projects’ residency under Afriart Gallery, transitioning from executing others’ visions to creating her own artworks, resulting in the ‘Not Fragile’ series.

Charlene Komuntale’s ‘Not Fragile’ series, a three-year project involving 29 digital paintings and two interactive installations, invites viewers to sit alongside her in a journey of reflection and dialogue. The series, a reflection on male-dominated views on women’s roles and the natural limitations of female anatomy, challenges entrenched beliefs, stereotypes, prejudices, and patriarchal narratives shaped by culture, religion, societal norms, and political frameworks. Through her work, she reveals intimacy, tenderness, vulnerability, and feminine beauty that defies the notion of fragility, embodying strength and unyielding confidence.

Charlene’s work encourages empathy, inclusivity, and comprehension, encouraging viewers to delve into the transformative essence of presence, observe, listen, and engage with power dynamics, and venture beyond their comfort zones to explore their own preconceptions.

Afriart Gallery focuses on original forms of expression and dialogue with the public. It provides an environment where collectors can find powerful contemporary artistic ideas and discussions.

Source: Afriart Gallery and Shado Magazine.