Henry Bukenya did not have an idyllic childhood. He did, as so many in his situation have had to, make the best of things. Growing up in an orphanage and not seeing his father for years are just some of the things Bukenya has had to endure.
But there is also joy in his life. The connection to his brother, Frank, has provided both strength and encouragement for the young artist, and as Henry talks about his life outside of art, there is only a fleeting tinge of sadness. Taking a look at his art, there is joy. Pure and unadulterated joy layered on with each brush stroke.
He works off photos he has, recreating them on a canvas and capturing the happiness he finds not only from the photo but from what it inspires inside. Sometimes it comes from an image he sees online, or something a friend has given him. But the joy is unmistakable.
“My work is inspired by my teachers in Uganda, and many of the pictures I have are from there,” he said. “Some of the pictures talk about suffering in Uganda, and some of them show the joy. Even when we go through difficult things … we don’t have to lose hope.”
Some of the bad things stay, but Bukenya always finds hope. Losing his father for those nine years left an impression, but he persisted in finding joy in his work. It began with sketches and drawings before moving on to paint brushes.
That joy has led him down a path, giving him notoriety in art circles. His work has been featured at the Station Gallery in St. Marys and in a few places around Stratford. Cameron Porteous, the curator of Station Gallery, said a number of things drew him to Bukenya’s work: his age, being an orphan, and the influence of a teacher who saw raw talent that gave him a way up in life.
“For a person that is still searching for information about his mother, he does not show that side of his story - he paints pure joy,” Porteous said. “His subjects seem to show joy and beauty as well as his concerns for the environment. Henry had no money and painted on whatever he could find - bedsheets, curtains and bits of old fabric. Painting seems to be the only way to communicate what he feels.”
One of the biggest things Bukenya feels in making Canada his home is support as an artist. Uganda doesn’t have the same kind of philosophy where artists are concerned, and Bukenya is grateful to have found that here and in the multitude of shows his work has been in.
“I’m an artist and my perspective on being an artist here is I feel supported and appreciated,” he said. “In Uganda, it’s another thing. They don’t support artists; you could paint a piece and it can sit there for two years without interest. Here in Canada, at least some people are interested and they really relate to the stories I tell in my work.”
The interest that has been generated makes one wonder what could be next for Bukenya, and Porteous is looking forward to what will unfold for him.
“It’s difficult to say what the trajectory for Henry will be,” he said. “In Canada he has the support structure but time is needed. He’s a very talented artist, and time will tell how his vision will change in this environment.”
One thing that likely won’t change will be the joy.
“The two best words to describe Henry are Joie de vivre,” Porteous said.
