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