'Ludigo's Stories, Time will Tell' On show at The Mall Galleries 31st January-17th February 10am-5pm. Don't miss this fabulous exhibition and I would be delighted if you would consider voting for my painting for the visitor's choice award.

I am over the moon that my second portrait of Ludigo has been selected for the 2018 Columbia Threadneedle Prize Exhibition. 
Andrew Ludigo Salema is a Ugandan artist and social activist whom my family and I met on a trip to Uganda in 2009. We were there to build a classroom at a school/orphanage run by the Watoto charity and Andrew was our chaperone.

Included in the painting are many references to Ludigo's own artwork - wood cut prints, each of which tells a story.
​The backdrop is a piece of lively African fabric that Ludigo brought as a gift when he came to visit us.

I have followed his journey over the last eight years​, a journey that has seen him expand his vision for using art as a tool for social change amongst the poorest, most vulnerable and underprivileged in Ugandan society.
​ Having gained himself a place on the prestigious 'Mandela Washington  fellowship for young African Leaders' in America and received valuable training in business and entrepreneurial skills, Ludigo is even more determined than ever to see his dream of a community arts centre come to fruition. 
Life is hard in Kampala, Uganda. Money is not easy to come by, corruption is rife and any small steps forward are often countered with several steps back. Ludigo remains hopeful and focussed on his vision regardless! 
Last year Ludigo came to visit us in the UK at the invitation of Charterhouse School to come and address the pupils. It was on this visit that I decided to paint his portrait.
 

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