Born in Uganda, and raised in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Ivy Kalungi’s artistic practice centres on the intricate tapestry of the female black experience. Through sculpture, installation video and social practice, Kalungi sheds light on the nuanced complexities of identity and belonging. Her meticulously handcrafted sculptures serve as a conduit for exploration, utilising a diverse range of materials including plaster, cement, wood, metal and found objects. Through her artwork, she navigates themes of migration concerns, identity construction and symbolism, which have shaped her personal philosophy.

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Kalungi’s work encapsulates the duality of diasporic selfhood, embodying a persistent hybridity that oscillates between cultures, trauma and recovery. Her choice of materials reflects this complexity, offering a tangible representation of lived experiences. 

In her sculptures and installations, Kalungi invites viewers to contemplate the multifaceted nature of isolation and culture.

 

Through her work, she provides a space for dialogue and reflection, amplifying the voices of black women and fostering connections within the community.

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In essence, Ivy Kalungi’s work is testament to a journey marked by resilience and  culture negotiation. Offering a platform for storytelling, empowerment and collective understanding.