Matt Kayem, an artist, writer and critic, known for his cryptic messages meant to make Africans and people of African descent value and perceive themselves differently. His body of work often questions how the African should move on after colonialism and also promotes oneness amongst the peoples of his continent.
The Ugandan artist joins the Black Arts Movement crusade and conversation, which explores and exalts black people and black pride. He perceives his practice as a vehicle for emancipation of the black community and overturning the negative perception about black identity.
Kayem’s colour palette echoes the vibrancy of African culture and traditions. His art punctuates bold deep and neon pigment applied on worn jeans. He combines his compositions and imagery with African prints and indigenous materials like the bark-cloth or traditional fabric, Dutch-wax print and urban clothing.