STATEMENT
“As an artist with a passion for nature and materials, I am drawn by the beauty and significance of what I see around me — including in my crowded studio. This process of experimenting using a mixed media approach gives me a sense of discovery and makes the emergence of new work from the disarray possible. I am also committed to lifting up those around me through my art, such as the women I train and employ to assist in the creation process. I am willing to risk all in my art making because I know that my talent will shine through, and I am happiest when I am learning, and realizing fresh and strong new work. Intuitively, I know when a piece is done. It just feels right.” - Sanaa Gateja
EDUCATION
Rhodec International College of Interior Design, Brighton, UK
International University of Art and Design, Florence, Italy
Tomazo Hashimoto Jewelry Studio, Florence, Italy
Camden Art Centre, London, UK
City Of London College of Art and Design, London, UK
National Institute of Gemmology, Madagascar
SELECTED SOLO EXHIBITIONS
1980, African Heritage Gallery, Nairobi, Kenya
1980, Rowland Ward Gallery, Nairobi, Kenya
1986, The Africa Centre
1987, Residency, The Commonwealth Institute, UK
1990, Innovations in Art, The National Cultural Centre, Kampala, Uganda
1991-1993, Ludwig Beck, Munich, Germany
1991, Nomo Gallery, National Art Gallery Kampala, Uganda
1993/94/96/98/99/2007, Tulifanya Gallery, Kampala, Uganda
2002-2004, Uganda National Museum
2004-2006, Novotel, Kigali, Rwanda
2005, Inganzo Art Gallery, Kigali, Rwanda
2006, Mbari Institute, Washington, DC
2006, Sankaranka Gallery, Brooklyn, NY
2006, Kenya National Archive
2007-2009, Whispers Restaurant, Baraka Gallery, Lamu, Kenya
2007, TED Conference, Arusha Ngorodoto Lodge, Tanzania
2007, UNESCO Launches Backcloth as heritage.
2008, AfriArt Gallery Kampala, Uganda
2010, MAD Museum of Art and Design, New York, NY
2011, Diani Beach Hotel Gallery, Mombasa, Kenya
2012, French Cultural Centre, Nairobi, Kenya
2016-2017, Represented by AfriArt Gallery at Int. Johannesburg Art Fair and Cape Town Art Fair
2018, Represented by SMO Gallery in Lagos at Art Basil
2019-2021, Represented by 50 Golborne Gallery: 1-54 Art Fair
2021, Represented by 50 Golborne Gallery at Artissima Turin
SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS
1985, The Africa Centre Covent Garden, London, UK
1985, Royal Festival Hall, South Bank, London, UK
1986, The Round House, Camden, London, UK
1990, Kenya National Museum with Kamal Shah
1990, Berlin International Trade Fair, Germany
1996, Danish Chamber of Commerce, Copenhagen, Denmark
2006, The Design College, Eindhoven, Holland
2012, KLA Art Kampala, Uganda
WORK IN PUBLIC COLLECTIONS
Field Museum, Chicago, USA, Paintings on Traditional Ugandan Backcloth
The Tropical Museum, Amsterdam, Holland, Recycled paper costumes
Main Lobby Novotel Kigali Rwanda, Permanent Exhibition
Artist Contribution of 5 major works to The Genocide Museum Kigali Rwanda
The Commonwealth Institute, London, UK
Uganda Museum Collection
Nairobi Museum Collection
National Scottish Museum Edenborough
ART RESIDENCIES
1987-1989, The COmmonwealth Institute, London, UK
1996, Namasagali Art Workshop by the British Council
1986, Deveron Arts Huntly Scotland, Workshops and Installation on Alexander Mackay Missionary in Uganda
CONSULTANT: COMMUNITY CRAFTS TRAINING
2006, Inganzo Community Centre Ruhengeri, Rwanda. Funded by Canadian Corporation and Government Of Rwanda
2009, Training 200 Women, wives of soldiers in recycling paper into beads and related products, Uganda
Training 85 rural women and men in art and crafts skills, Kisoro District, Uganda
2016-2018, Developing Crafts program for Training in Basketry, Stone and Bamboo Carvers and Pottery in South West Uganda Communities living close to the Gorilla Park
SELECTED WORK EXPERIENCE
1968-1970, Assistant Crafts Officer, Ministry of Culture and Community Development, Uganda
1970, Manager Uganda Crafts Pavilion Expo 70 for the Ministry of Culture and Community Development, Osaka Japan
1972-1978, Founded Sanaa Gallery: The 1st Art Gallery in Mombasa, Kenya
1986-1989, Opened SAFARI STUDIOS, Silver and Goldsmith Workshop Studio, St. John Street, Islington, London
1990, Founded Kwetu Africa Art and Design Development Centre, Uganda
