A Ravishing Conversation with Charlene Komuntale

Photo Credit: Daudi Murungi

Charlene Komuntale is a Ugandan digital painter based in Kampala, Uganda. She holds a BA in Animation from Limkokwing University, Malaysia. Her artwork uses heads of the women that are portrayed using different elements, which both examine and expose with vivid colors the role of the woman, predominantly African women, in a male-dominated world. Her artwork explores the strength of a woman that is often overlooked and not given as much respect. Charlene's paintings create a poetic narrative and describe the emotion and power of being a woman. In 2020, she was longlisted for the Mukumbya Musoke Art Prize, a bi-annual prize to award and support talented visual artists between the age of 20 and 45 in Uganda. From March to June 2021, she attended the Silhouette Projects Residency Program operating under the Afriart Art Gallery and showed her work at African Art Galleries Now X Artsy in June 2021. I had the pleasure of asking Charlene what art's purpose means to her, what she finds is the most critical part of the creative process, and much more. Charlene is represented by the Afriart Art Gallery.

UZOMAH: How important is being represented by a gallery that focuses on African art and African artists?

CHARLENE:  I believe such a gallery is invested in telling my black African story well. It understands and values the urgency in the message of my work. 

White dress, 2021 70x 50 cm

U: What made you choose Daudi Karungi and Afriart Gallery to represent you and your art?

 C:  In December 2020, I entered an art competition that I didn't win. I was among a long list of 15 people. Out of that list, he picked me to join the 3-month art residency that his gallery runs. He could have gone with the winner or those shortlisted. He saw great potential in my work. From that residency, I created my most powerful works. He is a good mentor and a great critic and has been a part of the industry for over 20 years. While in the residency, I interacted with him and his incredible team. They are interested in who I am as a person. And it is wonderful to know that I am more than my gift. I do not need to be validated, but it's great to be affirmed.

U: How has art helped you understand how the world sees Africans and African culture and other cultures worldwide?

C:  I think now more than ever, the world appreciates and embraces the diverse nature of all cultures. I am glad that there is an increase in platforms that celebrate that diversity in whatever art form. I think the world is starting to move away from stereotypical portrayals of cultures—access to information and the campaigns for inclusivity help that endeavor. 

Green dress, 2021 60 x 60 cm

U: What do you find are the most important parts of the creative process?

C: It would be concept development. It’s where you would access your ideas and see if they hold weight so that your creations aren't mindless. When you create what's meaningful to you, it will be meaningful to others. I do understand that the execution of that concept onto your medium must be well done so that your art grabs the attention of the viewer both visually and conceptually.

U: What do you hope to accomplish as an artist?

C: As an artist, I would love for my work to start conversations and really embolden black women. I was that kid in school and at home who was always advocating for change and speaking up for those that couldn't. So I would really love for the works to not just be beautiful ideas but achievable realities and to be able to create generational wealth.

Red dress, 2021 70 x 50 cm

U: How do you see art as a means to express what it means to be a black African woman?

 C:  I have had the privilege to see other black female artists create incredible works of art from different mediums. Through their works, I see their boldness and immense creativity. Their processes involve the community and are fervently pushing into spaces that conservative minds say aren’t for them.; black women are indomitable and unique. Art gives them the space to express that. It has given me the space to educate others and for me to unlearn. 

U: What made you want to be a digital artist and illustrator?

C:  Since I was a child, I was always a moral perfectionist. It was in my nature to fight for justice and help the underdog. Along the way, my heart got broken when I saw my efforts achieve little progress or nothing. I had wanted to be a humanitarian. I was a good artist, too, so I chose animation because I thought at least I could create alternate realities that could bring joy and make me rich, lol. I now realize that what I thought was an escape has become a tool to speak up for the "underdog". I am glad that both worlds collide.

U: What does the purpose of art mean to you?

C:  It's an archive of the human experience, a visual song of remembrance; every story is necessary so that we can marvel at how far humanity has come and find the urgency in what needs to change. 

Yellow dress, 2021 70 x 50 cm

 U: What would you like to be doing with your art ten years from now?

 C:  I would like to continue to advocate for women and the marginalized in the work I create to embolden them beyond my canvas. To do that, I would align myself with people, hopefully, people including artists with the same agenda. Create actual spaces where art is a tool for women to find healing and where they can be heard. I hope I will also have institutional recognition for my work at that time.

All artworks are from the series 'Not Fragile'

For more information about Charlene’s artwork please contact Afriart Gallery for further inquiries. Charlene’s artwork can also be purchased on Artsy here.