Untitled 1 (OMG) Painting

Born in 2000, Makano is a Congolese artist from the Nakivale refugee settlement, Uganda who now resides in Kampala. His love for art dates back to when he was 4 years at school and in 2018, art became his voice after losing his parents in a civil war back in DRC. His art was born out of depression and frustration. He was not only afraid of his past but also of his future. His presence became rebellious and sometimes he started having thoughts of suicide. Makano believes that society speaks and he feels like it's his responsibility to respond. He chooses to speak through Art because it's the only way he understands the world. Whenever he reads words or writes words, he sees images. His artworks speak to power, challenge stereotypes, and amplify people whose voices and influence have been for long been surprised and censored. He currently volunteers at Faces Up Uganda, a talent development organization to pass on his experience and skills to the next generation of artists. He has been able to preach his message of equality, liberty, hope, love, faith, and Unity to many young people who need inspiration. His name Makano means intersection, and this makes him believe that he is a bridge to connect people from different backgrounds.