Exhibition Review | I AM Makano

“I AM” explores MAKANO's personal and artistic journey highlighting identity, resilience, and transformation. He channels his personal tribulations into an inspiring narrative of rebirth and self-discovery. This exhibition delves into the depths of the human experience. He is influenced by his native country, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a nation marked by conflict. The DRC has endured decades of political instability and armed conflicts, resulting in the demise of countless individuals, including Makano’s parents.
"I AM" encapsulates MAKANO’s personal and artistic journey. In 2018, his life was irrevocably altered by the tragic loss of his parents during the civil war in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This heart-wrenching event plunged him into a vortex of grief, depression, and frustration. The weight of his past, coupled with an uncertain future, drove him to confront a present filled with rebellion and despair, even pushing him to the brink of suicide. However, from this abyss of darkness, MAKANO unearthed unexpected strength and purpose. He transformed from a grieving son to an empowered artist.

“I AM” is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to find meaning and voice amid chaos. MAKANO’s art serves as a therapeutic outlet, a poignant reflection of his internal struggles, and a response to the ceaseless dialogue of society. His works are not unadorned expressions of personal anguish but eloquent contributions to the collective narrative, inviting viewers to engage in a communal exchange of ideas and emotions. He channels tumultuous thought processes into superimposed pieces of abstract poetry that sometimes contract into the form of a manic third-eye alter ego, grinning the artist’s name “MAKANO.” Carried by an almost frenetic energy, his paintings don’t stop at the confined space of the canvas but sprawl onto any conceivable surface in the artist’s proximity.
Each artwork in this exhibition is a vibrant declaration of existence, an assertion of self in a world fraught with turmoil. Through his art, MAKANO declares, "I'm MAKANO. I am here. I am part of this dialogue. I've got opinions. I am not always right. I am not always on time. My thoughts are unapologetic; I don't always say things in the so-called 'proper way,' but my intentions are always pure." This exhibition is not just a display of art but a celebration of the human journey toward healing, empowerment, and self-realization. As we celebrate Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, "I AM" invites viewers to witness MAKANO’s transformation and reflect on their own place within the grand scheme of the human experience. It is a call to recognize the strength within oneself, participate in societal dialogue, and affirm with conviction, "I AM."
Makano Bwato (b. 2000 in Bukavu, DRC) is a Congolese multimedia artist based in Kampala.
Makano is a self-taught mixed-media artist living and working in Uganda, where he has found refuge as a result of his tumultuous homeland. MAKANO's love for art was apparent from the early age of four, demonstrating a deep connection with this form of expression.
MAKANO's artistry is not just an aesthetic pursuit, but a powerful form of social commentary. His creations are more than mere illustrations, they are bold statements, addressing potent societal issues. They speak truth to power, challenge pervasive stereotypes, and provide a platform for those whose voices have long been suppressed or censored. In his work, MAKANO amplifies the whispers of the marginalized and brings to light the stories that often languish in the shadows.

[@M0D60]

Very Good Art. Would love to see different colors. Your camera movement is sometimes dizzying 👋🏾👋🏾