Richard Atugonza’s recent body of work is inspired by a personal reflection on physical labor and exercise, Atugonza reimagines the concept of “working out” as a universal human condition, one that transcends the gym or other dedicated spaces to encompass the endurance, commitment, and perseverance required in everyday life.

Atugonza uses the metaphor of dumbbells to symbolize the personal and emotional weights individuals carry as they navigate life’s challenges. Each piece portrays the tension between fragility and endurance, reflecting the human capacity to withstand, adapt, and evolve. The seated figurative forms often appear in moments of pause: absorbing, reflecting, or recuperating, capturing the quiet strength that arises from self-awareness and acceptance.

Rooted in his material practice, Atugonza continues to repurpose organic and discarded elements such as sawdust and charcoal, transforming them into sculptures that embody both vulnerability and resilience. Through this transformation, the materials gain strength, echoing his central theme of finding balance amid life’s pressures.