Eco-friendly materials
Am Robert Ssempijja is a Ugandan contemporary artist and researcher based in Gothenburg, Sweden, having a career both through formal and informal setting experiences, my practice is marked by the era of post-colonialism and decolonization,my work is composed of research projects that reproduces into films, installations and performances.
I am in searching for “a regenerative art practice” which moves away from exploitative relationships. Through my creation I makes a bridge between the distorted past and the digital present.
A regenerative arts practice, for me, links post-colonialism to environmentalism. Reconnecting with humans as ‘a global species’ means reconnecting with the co-natural elements with which we share the planet. And understanding the plant itself as a giant, interrelated ecosystem. A regenerative practice moves away from exploitative relationships on every level.
I have exhibited my on three different continents at Fan Fic Festival, Ballhaust Ost, Berlin (DE) Climate summit, Swedish Embassy, Kampala (UG) East African night of Tolerance, Kigali, Rwanda Dance Center Columbia Collage, Chicago (USA) Biennale Tanzausbildung, Berlin (DE) and many more .
Honours and Fellowship Pick-of-the-fringe Award 2020 by Jomba! Contemporary Dance Experience (ZA),Tuzinne Award 2017 by Mambya Performing Arts Foundation (UG), PACT residencies 2022(DE), Camargo Fellowship 2022(FR), Pina Bausch Fellowship For Dance And Choreography 2022(DE).
I am dedicated to developing a transformative concept for a public space that serves as an innovative artistic studio. By merging the concepts of artistic studio and public space, I aim to create a dynamic and inclusive hub that inspires artists and resonates with the broader community in Uganda and across Africa.
I will conduct extensive research to understand the specific needs and aspirations of both artists and the community. Through interviews, surveys, and workshops, I will gain insights into the critical issues they face. This collaborative approach ensures that the resulting artistic studio space is tailored to the unique context and fosters a sense of ownership.
The design will prioritize sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems. By integrating elements of nature, the space will create a harmonious and inspiring atmosphere that blurs indoor and outdoor environments.
During the mentorship program, I will collaborate with fellow participants and external practitioners to enrich my understanding of design principles, community engagement, and sustainability. This collective knowledge will help refine the concept and develop a comprehensive blueprint.
By the end of the program, I hope to have a well-defined design for the artistic studio space that can be implemented in Uganda and serve as a replicable model across Africa. I aim to establish partnerships with local artists, community organizations, and stakeholders for long-term sustainability.
The vision is to create an artistic studio space that nurtures and inspires artists while becoming a vibrant cultural hub for the community. Through this project, I aim to challenge conventional notions of art production, reimagine public spaces, and contribute to the cultural vibrancy of our city and continent.
In summary, my goal is to develop an innovative artistic studio space within a public setting that caters to the needs of artists and the community.