Olivia Mary Nantongo
Olivia Mary Nantongo is a Ugandan contemporary visual artist whose multidisciplinary practice explores African womanhood, identity, memory, cultural heritage, self-worth, beauty and liberation. Her work is particularly concerned with the experiences of African women and the ways personal and collective histories shape how women understand themselves and their place in society.
Working across photography, digital collage, painting, performance, textiles and mixed media, Nantongo often uses her own body and image as both subject and canvas. She transforms the figure through vibrant colours, bold patterns, symbolic objects and surreal interventions, creating alternative realities through which she examines identity, femininity and the African female experience.
Her practice also engages with traditional materials and cultural memory. She incorporates materials such as Ugandan woven mukeeka/raffia mats, fabric, plywood, denim, synthetic hair,paper, acrylics, oil pastels and found or repurposed objects. The use of woven mats is particularly significant, connecting her contemporary practice to Ugandan cultural heritage and the knowledge carried through traditional materials and craft.
Nantongo's work moves between the personal and the collective. Her imagery frequently considers themes of womanhood, resilience, vulnerability, beauty, healing, dignity and transformation. Through photography and digital manipulation, she creates visually striking compositions that challenge conventional representations of African women while opening conversations about visibility, cultural identity and contemporary African life.
Her artistic journey includes exhibitions and projects such as "I Am a Woman” her first solo exhibition at Xenson Artspace, “ECHOES" a group exhibition with Amasaka Art Gallery and “WANDALA” (2025) group exhibition in Austria. Her engagement with contemporary art spaces and initiatives in Uganda has further contributed to the development of her practice.
Olivia Mary Nantongo is a Ugandan contemporary visual artist whose multidisciplinary practice explores African womanhood, identity, memory, cultural heritage, self-worth, beauty and liberation. Her work is particularly concerned with the experiences of African women and the ways personal and collective histories shape how women understand themselves and their place in society.
Working across photography, digital collage, painting, performance, textiles and mixed media, Nantongo often uses her own body and image as both subject and canvas. She transforms the figure through vibrant colours, bold patterns, symbolic objects and surreal interventions, creating alternative realities through which she examines identity, femininity and the African female experience.
Her practice also engages with traditional materials and cultural memory. She incorporates materials such as Ugandan woven mukeeka/raffia mats, fabric, plywood, denim, synthetic hair,paper, acrylics, oil pastels and found or repurposed objects. The use of woven mats is particularly significant, connecting her contemporary practice to Ugandan cultural heritage and the knowledge carried through traditional materials and craft.
Nantongo's work moves between the personal and the collective. Her imagery frequently considers themes of womanhood, resilience, vulnerability, beauty, healing, dignity and transformation. Through photography and digital manipulation, she creates visually striking compositions that challenge conventional representations of African women while opening conversations about visibility, cultural identity and contemporary African life.
Her artistic journey includes exhibitions and projects such as "I Am a Woman” her first solo exhibition at Xenson Artspace, “ECHOES" a group exhibition with Amasaka Art Gallery and “WANDALA” (2025) group exhibition in Austria. Her engagement with contemporary art spaces and initiatives in Uganda has further contributed to the development of her practice.
“I use my body, my culture and my imagination as a canvas to tell stories about African women, creating new realities where our identities, histories and experiences can be seen, questioned and celebrated.”
