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    Our Thoughts — Art

    Tugende Design Signature Art Collection - Limited Time Offer!

    Tugende Design Signature Art Collection - Limited Time Offer!

    For a limited time, Tugende Design has partnered with talented artist Johnie Kyambadde to offer 9 large (39 X 33 inches) mixed media paintings (African print fabric and acrylic on canvas) of African wildlife!

    Here is the story behind the paintings and our partnership...

    For two years I have enjoyed a beautiful painting in my office. The painting is of a majestic elephant made of a collage of African print fabrics. And, I love the colorful, bold and fun patterns. But, I had never seen the fabric used in such a way before, so I was intrigued. 

    I fell in love with the painting at an art market in Kampala. I knew I just had to have it. So, we bought it and brought it home to Atlanta. Since I spend so much time in my office at work, I decided to hang it there. Even though I love it, I was surprised how many people notice it, admire it and comment on it when they walk by my office. It is that unique. Playful. Colorful. 

    So, this last trip to Uganda in December, we met up with the artist, Johnie Kyambadde (who we have come to know quite well). After some discussion, we decided to partner and bring his art to the U.S. After all, I have loved my elephant piece and it always inspires me. Of course, it also makes me miss Uganda!

    In preparation for listing these 9 large signature pieces and limited edition, I talked to Johnie a few days ago to really make sure I got his story straight. I wanted to make sure I could convey his inspiration for these gorgeous pieces and the use of the African print fabric (Kitenge).

    Johnie Kyambadde is a painter from Kampala, Uganda who specializes in mixed media, collage style of vibrant and playful depictions of animals on the African Savannah. His mixed media interpretation of the king of the jungle (the lion), the majestic elephants, the high soaring eagle or the dynamic buffalo through vibrant African print fabrics and acrylic paints, really make for true conversation pieces. These bold, fun and eye-catching pieces make for a perfect addition to a living room, office and even a nursery. I have mine in the office and can attest that it is really a conversation piece.

    Johnie Kyambadde (born in Uganda 1972) has a diploma in Commercial Art & Design and he says that his unique approach and use of mixed media merges contemporary art with indigenous expression, primarily through abstract forms and realism in African wildlife.

    When sharing his story, he said he was inspired by visits to the beautiful national game parks, in particular the Kidepo Valley National Park in eastern Uganda. The idea of depicting the animals in Kitenge fabric came from a cultural festival a few years ago where performers were celebrating African traditions by wearing the fabric.

    He thought to himself that this would also be a way to further accentuate the African wildlife and link to tradition by incorporating the colorful African print fabric within the physical shapes of the animals. He said it took quite some time to master the mixed media technique and to execute the right combinations of patterns and colors. He said he had to practice over and over to select the right pieces of fabrics to ensure the right contrast and complementary patterns to get it just right. 

    Johnie recently got married to his beautiful wife and together they have four children. 

    At Tugende Design we are proud to partner with Johnie Kyambadde and promote this signature collection for a limited time, and to bring his colorful and creative art pieces to the U.S.

    Each piece is unique and made by Johnie Kyambadde in his studio in Kampala, Uganda.

    As with all our products, 20% of the profit from each painting sold supports women empowerment projects in Uganda through our social enterprise initiatives.