Daniel Atenyi is a self-taught Ugandan artist based in Kampala. Initially focused on commissioned works, he has shifted towards a more personal and expressive practice, allowing him to delve into complex themes of self-perception through his art.
Atenyi's work centers on abstract figuration, investigating the intricate dynamics of how individuals perceive themselves and how they are perceived by others. He draws inspiration from daily life, analyzing the impact of societal progress on personal identity. His art raises critical questions about the discrepancies between self-image and external perception, illuminating the varying influences these perceptions can have.
Working primarily on paper, Atenyi employs a range of techniques, from intimate sketches to larger drawings and experimental washes using water-soluble pigments. His choice of materials, including charcoal and natural earth-toned pigments like coffee, symbolizes a grounded simplicity that contrasts with the complexities of his subjects.
Through his self-taught methods, Atenyi has developed a unique visual language that recalibrates reality through the abstraction of the human form. His aim is to foster a dynamic interaction between the viewer and the artwork, inviting deeper contemplation of identity and perception.
Daniel is held his first solo exhibition at Latitude 0, Kampala in 2024. He exhibited in the group exhibition Form and Fantasy at Afriart Gallery and has shown at Investec Cape Town Art Fair 2024. He completed a residency with Silhouette Project (Uganda) in 2023 and with Vivid Synergies! (Uganda) in 2024.
Press
Matt Kayem for Start Journal: Daniel Atenyi - A Soul Start in the Making. 2023
