A few words about your artistic journey

Growing up, the experiences within my family and friends; and moments within my life became the bases of great beauty and significance. They enriched my journey as an artist through self-expression and later on, self-discovery.

How long have you been an artist?

I have been an artist since I was a kid ; thus, for 18 years now.

Why did you apply for this grant? How will the grant support you?

I have always had a dream of being a socially impactful fashion designer. The grant will provide me opportunity to create concepts and bring life to ideas I have dreamt of and to connect with the global community. It provides me a kickstart for my dream to come alive.

What are your concrete artistic objectives after this residency?

 Expression of art through fashion for the consumption of others
 Inspire & encourage others to look positively & creatively to the beautiful things through fashion
 Connect globally through fashion

What did you achieve during this creative residency? What is the result (created work)? Who was involved in the creation process?

The creative residency took me on a journey of self-discovery through the way I had to express myself by being patient, resilient and push myself to greater heights. I created three garments that reflected the past, present and future of people’s behaviours as an effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic. These three garments are titled; Flashback (Past), Silence (Present – Lockdown and Quarantine) and Renaissance (Future). There were three creative colleagues that were involved in the creation process.

How do you think these activities contribute to a reflection on today’s world, in relation to the COVID-19 crisis, and/or on the shaping of the future?

Under “Renaissance”, it’s now more imperative for the fashion industry to have sustainability initiatives since it is one of the main polluters in the world. A lot of clothes end up in landfills and thus, release dangerous toxins into the environment. The COVID-19 crisis should help change the world’s mindset to embrace eco-friendly habits like recycling and upcycling, creation of good quality garments that can be worn in different styles and so on. This will build a sustainable future for us to co-exist with nature.

How did you feel during the residency? And at the end of it?

I enjoyed my residency as I spent my days researching and being devoted to the work while at home. Now, at the end, I am grateful to have been part of it as it has given me an opportunity to creatively express myself more.
I was able to create my work as I imagined it. I found a few setbacks and that prompted me to do more research and also inquire from other artists. Thus, I an satisfied with the outcome

Download Samantha Babiiha Kabahuma’s artwork

Flashback

Silence

Renaissance