The art of recycling: a studio development of art about the girl child education in western Uganda using found materials.

Abstract

This study sought to explore a studio development of art inspired by the girl child education in Western Uganda, from recyclable found materials. It was based on the fact that the art of recycling has existed for years. Though for the sake of creating aesthetically appealing and functional products it has been over popularized, mostly during these contemporary times in Uganda and Africa mainly due to limitations to access modern art materials, plus the current need to depollute the environment, and a strong desire by artists to experiment with materials, methods and processes in art. It is usually through the lenses of politics, social life and economics, with little or none in the topics of education, more so the girl child. Therefore, this research seeks to explore the narration of the girl child education through the art of recycling. It was based on the dual processing theory, and research where the literature on visual narrative art, and storytelling theory and practice literature, support the propositions and case study that this research reported. This research was carried out through a descriptive and exploratory approach which will emphasize the art of recycling waste to create a volume of about 15 artworks. Findings reveal that artists like Sanaa Gateja have created jobs for women and orphans, while others like Xenson are helping their communities to develop through the art of recycling. More so artists like Benon Lutaya have used recycling, to address the issue of the street child and to narrate a story of changing life from the street to becoming an international artist from which this research also borrows. It further found out that different colors of fabric scrap can be used to create aesthetically pleasing art works, such as books versus booze, rainbow and opportunities. Furthermore, recycled materials can be used to address the plight of the girl child education and boys as well as girls should be sensitized on mental health issues to avoid stigma. Inclusivity should be prioritized in schools/institutions for the benefit of all gender, plus the special needs students. With much attention given to the Rural areas through providing girls with sanitary towels, under garments, stationary among others. This study concludes that the government, ministry of education, stakeholders, parents, opinion leaders, should implement the policies that were put in place by the government, plus the international policies like Education for All (EFA), Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), among more, in order to alleviate the issues hindering girl child education.