Charlene Komuntale

Charlene Komuntale, Uganda
Digital Painting Archivally Printed On Hahnemuhle Paper
Edition 1/3

Charlene Komuntale is a digital artist and illustrator based in Kampala, Uganda. She holds a BA in Animation from Limkokwing University, Malaysia.

This piece is from her recent series “Not Fragile”, in which Komuntale portrays women – mostly black African women. The subject matter is personal yet presented in a relatable way as inspiration is drawn from her own experiences but also informed by the experiences of other women around her.

The heads of the women she portrays are covered by different elements, which create poetic yet striking narratives around a broadly relatable figure. At first sight, the works evoke a dreamy, peaceful, and quiet atmosphere, whereas at a closer look powerful, empowering and unapologetic messages come to the fore. Intimacy, tenderness, vulnerability, and female beauty do not suggest fragility. Instead, it is related to strength and unapologetic confidence.

Komuntale spent six weeks in Australia in February – March 2023, undertaking Sanaa’s LK Artist in Residence Program, hosted at The Mill in Adelaide