African inspired paintings on show at Touchstones

Medie Mulindwa: Silent Music

Self-taught artist Medie Mulindwa’s African inspired paintings form the latest exhibition in Gallery One, the community gallery, at Touchstones Rochdale.

Originally from Uganda, Mr Mulindwa moved to Rochdale in 2010 after he met his wife Tracey, who is from Whitworth, whilst living in Italy. Silent Music is Mr Mulindwa’s debut solo exhibition in the UK. He has previously exhibited in Italy, France, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda.

Mainly working in acrylic on canvas, Mr Mulindwa has developed a unique style which blends the figurative and the abstract. He also paints on backcloth, an ancient and still-utilised fabric only common to and associated with a native and indigenous tribe in Uganda, east Africa, which he feels has a brilliance to complement the vibrancy of his colour palette and figurative compositions.

Mr Mulindwa said: “My paintings explore everyday life in terms of social, economic and political aspects of human relations, blending cultures the world over and using African culture as my focal point.”

The exhibition also includes a set of pencil drawings of mountain gorillas which showcase Mr Mulindwa’s highly representational drawing skills which he hopes to use undertaking commissions for family and pet portraits alongside his paintings.

The exhibition runs from Saturday 7 May to Saturday 9 July. Admission is free.