OCOM ADONIAS

Ocom Adonias, a dynamic artist from Kampala, Uganda, was born in 1989 in the bustling neighborhood of Kireka. He pursued his passion for art at the Margaret Trowel School of Industrial and Fine Art at Makerere University, Uganda, where he delved into Sculpture, Painting, and Photography, graduating in 2014. Following his graduation, Ocom honed his skills as a photographer with Megapix, a local events company, for a year and a half.

Ocom's artistic expression is deeply rooted in his multimedia background, ingeniously blending photography, sculpture, and painting in his works. His paintings, predominantly featuring paper collage, serve as poignant metaphors for his modest upbringing and the culture of recycling prevalent in high-density, low-income areas. This ethos of reusability—where nothing is discarded due to the lack of privilege to acquire new items—echoes throughout his art.

Initially focusing on portraiture, Ocom's artistic journey took a transformative turn after his participation in Surface 2017, a conceptual development workshop at Afriart Gallery Kampala. This experience inspired him to delve into themes that resonate more personally, leading to the creation of the 'Who’s your Saint series.' These works reflect the personal trials and communal challenges within the political and social milieu of Uganda.

Ocom's art has gained recognition both locally and internationally, marked by his participation in significant exhibitions such as the FNB Johannesburg Art Fair 2018, the Kampala Art Biennale 2018, and his solo exhibition 'Who’s your Saint?' at Afriart gallery. His notable achievement as a top 10 finalist in the Absa L’Atelier Art Competition 2018 in Johannesburg further underscores his impact in the art world. Through his innovative use of materials and exploration of deeply relevant themes, Ocom Adonias continues to be a compelling voice in contemporary art.

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