ABOUT THE ARTIST
 

Getting Started
Early Schooling
Time to Move
His Inspiration
The Creations
The Legacy
His Accolades

 
Getting Started
Born in Uganda, Kibuuka did not truly begin until the age of five years when he discovered the exciting world of art. Even at this tender age, Kibuuka's enthusiasm and skill in his work far surpassed others much older than he. As a result, he became known as an outstanding young artist in his native Uganda by the time he was fifteen years old.
 
Early Schooling
Kibuuka enrolled at Makerere University School of Fine Arts (Kampala) to begin his more intensive study of fine art. But political strife created by the rule of Id Amin forced Kibuuka to evacuate his home and life in Uganda and face a difficult decision. In 1977-1980, Kibuuka moved to Kenya, and enrolled at the Kenya Arts School (Nairobi). There, the freedom to follow his dream of becoming an excellent artist became a reality as he dedicated himself to studying the discipline in human anatomy and painting for four years. In 1981-982, Kibuuka enrolled at the Creative Art College (Nairobi, Kenya) where he furthered his art skills in Graphic Design and Illustration.
 
Time to Move
Once again, the time for a decision was at hand, political strife in Nairobi, Kenya forced Kibuuka to immigrate to Canada in late 1983, where he both freelanced and was employed full-time by various well-respected animation companies and studios. In 1984 Kibuuka enrolled, full-time at the Ontario College of Fine Art in Computer Animation, Computer Graphics, Video Production; and graduated in 1988.
 
His Inspiration
Kibuuka's art drains strength and depth from the beauty and power of deep-rooted African traditions and culture, but he is by no means limited in his traditionalism. Not only does Kibuuka excel in the realistic aspect of life in art, he also spans the abyss into the world of very contemporary art and science fiction art. Common themes in his work are images of Africa, particularly capturing the beauty of the African woman.
 
The Creations
The subject matter of Kibuuka's work is very diverse, as is his use of the various media, including mixed media, acrylics, oils, pen and ink, water colour and pencil drawing. Kibuuka puts his heart and soul into every piece of work that he produces and this love is immediately visible to the viewer. One cannot help but be moved by his inspirational interpretations of life.
 
The Legacy
Together with his brother, Henry Lumu, the celebrated national artist of Uganda, James Kitaminike and select others formed the basis for the modern art movement in East Africa. Fragmentation, Kibuuka's now-classic technique of breaking an image into smaller geometric fields and then reassembling them into striking visions of color, motion, and mood has drawn critical acclaim.
 
His Accolades
Accolades for David Kibbuka's work include the U.S. Senate Rotunda display, international publication by UNICEF for greeting cards, award presentation for a chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, the United Way, the Kidney Foundation and a major art exhibition at Howard University in Washington D.C.
 
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