Expanding artistic horizons at Lion Sands

Ugandan born artist Patrick Seruwu experiments with new muses during his profoundly influential Artist Residency.

Patrick Seruwu, a self-taught Ugandan artist, left the iconic Johannesburg skyline he calls home to immerse himself in the natural splendour that surrounds Lion Sands Ivory Lodge. Patrick is most well-known for his portraits of African women that highlight not only their strength and triumphs but also their struggles and suffering.

He was the recipient of the Johannes Stegmann Mentorship Programme in 2019 and by November 2020 he had opened his first solo exhibition at the Lizamore & Associates Gallery. Since then, he has only grown from strength to strength and has now participated in over twenty exhibitions worldwide.

His Artist Residency at Lion Sands Ivory Lodge invited him to search the natural world for new facets to incorporate into his work. “My most memorable moments include the thrilling game drives, where I witnessed the beauty and majesty of wildlife up close,” Patrick explains. “I was inspired by the entire environment, from the animals – monkeys, impalas, lions, and more – to the flowing river waters and the vibrant colours of the sky during sunsets.”

Returning from his outings with creative passions burning bright, Patrick found the lodge to be the perfect place to turn his ideas into reality.

“I managed to focus on my work without any distractions and was exposed to new ideas, techniques, and a renewed sense of direction,” he reflects. “The serene environment and support from fellow artists provided the perfect atmosphere for creativity, allowing me to refine my skills and push the boundaries of my artistic expression. The people, including the guests I encountered daily across the gallery, also became a rich source of inspiration, offering endless stories and emotions that fuelled my creativity.”

His residency gave him the space to experiment and the inspiration he felt in those moments was not just a fleeting spark but something deeper; something Patrick plans to hold on to and carry through to his future work.

“This experience has profoundly influenced my visual creativity. I have thoroughly enjoyed experimenting with multiple figures and landscape drawing and painting, which is a significant departure from my previous focus on portraits. Exploring these new elements has broadened my artistic perspective, allowing me to incorporate more dynamic and diverse themes into my work. This growth has not only enhanced my skills but also opened up exciting possibilities for future projects.”

However, Patrick’s time at the lodge encompassed more than just his experience as an artist. As our guest he was got to experience all that the lodge had to offer.

“The delicious food, comfortable accommodation, and attentive service made every aspect of my stay truly remarkable. The warm and welcoming atmosphere, combined with the unique experiences and interactions, created unforgettable memories that I will cherish for a lifetime.”

Artists on the MORE Family Collection Artist Residency are arranged in partnership with the Southern African Foundation For Contemporary Art (SAFFCA).

Contact morgan@lionsands.com should you be interested in purchasing any artwork from our featured artists at Lion Sands Ivory Lodge.