Last Friday, an exhibition of Ugandan artist Samuel Kakaire opened at the Russian Innovation Center Skolkovo on the outskirts of Moscow.
Kakaire studied ancient Russian iconography and Byzantine culture in the Soviet Union. After graduating in 1981, he received a scholarship from the Soviet Union and continued his studies at other prestigious institutions within the Union.
The artist's works have been featured in many exhibitions abroad, including in Sweden, Kenya, and Germany. In March of this year, his works were part of a group exhibition in Dubai featuring former Soviet Union students.
Kakaire's Soviet background prompted the exhibition organizers to bring the artist's paintings to Russia.
"His talent, a result of the synthesis of two cultures as well as the educational investments by the Soviet state, is admired and studied by international fans yet remained unknown in what he calls his second homeland, Russia," explained exhibition organizer Tatyana Jolivet.
This event, along with similar ones, perpetually underscores the significance of intercultural dialogue, highlighting how the universal language of art serves as a unifying force among all people.
"Culture is what usually unites people and brings them together in spite of any borders, limits, and sanctions. The more you engage with different cultures, the more you understand that although traditions and customs are different, people's basic values are the same: love, family, children, victory of life over death, and peace. That is what unites our people, Africans and Russians," Jolivet highlighted.
She also expressed her belief that successful cooperation could be established in the fields of culture and art. Additionally, Jolivet emphasized that culture and art, as the foundation for creative industries, could spark new initiatives and business opportunities, which she considered an important aspect of the cooperation.
Kakaire's exhibition is part of the project "Creating Cultural Bridges: Russia-Uganda." The first exhibition under this project featured works by Paul Akiki.