In May 2025, Vodo Arts Society hosted the first studio visit for Kampala-based visual artist Ddungu Michael in a quiet part of Ntinda. The visit offered an intimate experience of his workspace and artistic process, allowing guests to slow down and connect with the quiet intensity of his work.
His practice focuses on the human figure and the emotional weight it carries. His portraits, created through a meticulous cross-hatching technique using acrylic markers are both detailed and raw. The repetition of his lines creates a sense of time and stillness, with an unfinished look that invites introspection. His subjects feel present but slightly elusive, holding space for the viewer’s own reflections. The strength of his portraiture lies in its restraint, a subtle power that lingers. Could a full solo exhibition be next? We definitely hope so.
As part of the visit, guests were also introduced to a recent collaboration between Ddungu and fellow Vodo artist Kikomeko Puto, where Ddungu applied his portraiture style onto metal surfaces prepared by Puto. The result was a striking fusion of texture and emotion — combining raw material with detailed linework to expand how portraiture can be experienced. This moment not only highlighted Ddungu’s versatility but also marked a meaningful step forward in his evolving practice.
0 comments on “Studio Visit: Ddungu Michael | May 2025”