Africa-Press – Uganda. A solo exhibition by Makerere University’s Assoc. Prof. Maria Kizito Kasule has sparked fresh debate within Uganda’s art circles over the role of traditional artistry in an era increasingly dominated by digital tools and artificial intelligence.
Staged at Umoja Art Gallery under the theme “Hands of the Beholder,” the exhibition features 11 large-scale oil-on-canvas paintings rooted in Kasule’s signature Cubist style.
Blending traditional African storytelling with contemporary techniques, the works make a bold statement on the enduring value of analogue art.
Prof. Kasule, Principal of the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) at Makerere University, used the exhibition to challenge the growing influence of AI-generated imagery in creative spaces.
“In today’s world, where AI and algorithms are shaping our artists, we must never lose sight of the human hand’s capacity for raw, unfiltered expression,” Prof. Kasule said.
He noted that his latest body of work aims to reconnect audiences with the deeper cultural roots of African art, beyond the speed and convenience offered by modern technology.
“My work in Hands of the Beholder is an invitation to return to the soul of African storytelling and to use our traditional techniques not just as history, but as a living, breathing language that technology can mimic but never truly replace,” he added.
Kasule emphasized that the essence of true artistry lies in persistence and authenticity, urging young artists to remain grounded in craft.
“The artist’s courage lies in the persistence of the brush,” he said.
The exhibition has drawn strong engagement from students of Makerere University, Kyambogo University, and several secondary schools, effectively transforming the gallery into a vibrant learning hub. Students were observed closely studying the scale, composition, and technique behind the works, which critics describe as both intellectually engaging and technically refined.
Fellow artists attending the showcase praised Kasule’s consistency and “creative courage,” noting that his commitment to traditional forms of expression comes at a time when digital tools are rapidly reshaping the global art industry.
The exhibition, which opened on Women’s Day, March 8, and concludes this week, has drawn over 1,000 visitors, both local and international. Beyond its impressive turnout, Hands of the Beholder has sparked a broader cultural conversation, prompting discussions about authenticity, originality, and whether technology can ever truly replicate the human touch in art.
Curated by Umoja Art Gallery Director Lyton Hillary, the exhibition marks the gallery’s first local showcase following its February feature at the IVESTEC Cape Town Art Fair in South Africa.
