Creating paintings inspired by the traditional iteso akogo music instrument for contemporary spaces

Abstract

"Creating Paintings Inspired by the Traditional Iteso Akogo Music Instrument for Contemporary spaces" is a study that produced paintings for contemporary spaces inspired by traditional Iteso Akogo Music Instruments. The objectives of the study were; (1) To establish the cultural significance of Akogo Music Instruments in the Iteso (Kumel village) community in Mukura Sub-county, Ngora District, Eastern Uganda. (2) To identify ways in which traditional Akogo Music Instruments can inspire decoration of contemporary spaces (3) To produce paintings for decorating contemporary spaces inspired by traditional Akogo Music Instruments. The study was carried out in Kumel Village, Mukura Sub County in Ngora District, Eastern Uganda, where seven respondents and a performance group were purposively selected. The research design was ethnography with research methods including in-depth interviews, direct observation, focus group discussion (FGDs), recording and photography. The data collected was subjected to studio experimentation to come up with the paintings. The findings indicate that; (1) the number of Iteso who are conversant with the use and application of Akogo music instrument continues to reduce because of many factors such as modernization, technological advancement and their related ideologies. (2) not so many Iteso did understand painting as a practice until when they encountered the Nyero rock paintings in Kumi district during the migration and movement of communities and, (3) Akogo music instruments are one of Teso's cultural heritage and when used as inspiration for paintings for contemporary spaces can promote and preserve Iteso material culture as well as create alternative sources of income. To change the perceptions on traditional Akogo music instruments, preserve and promote their importance, the researcher developed four projects through painting for decorating the hotel reception and conference room of Seven Eleven Hotel Ltd in Mukura. The projects were based on; "A Collaboration Tool'', "A Participation Tool'', "Mobilization Tool" and "Leadership & Communication".