Kiyingi Transforms Jerrycans into Vessels of Untold Stories

Artist Kasalirwe Kiyingi is breathing new life into an everyday object, the humble jerrycan, by imbuing it with profound artistic and archival significance. In Kiyingi’s skilled hands, the familiar container, often associated with fuel or water, becomes a critical instrument for storytelling and historical preservation.

Kiyingi’s artistic practice centers on the jerrycan as a vessel for narratives that have historically been overlooked or silenced. He views these metal containers as potent symbols, capable of holding not just liquids, but also the memories, experiences, and cultural heritage of communities. By repurposing them, he is actively engaging in a process of reclaiming and reinterpreting these stories, giving them a tangible form and a platform for wider recognition.

This innovative approach prompts viewers to question who gets to tell stories and whose histories are deemed worthy of preservation. The jerrycan, in this context, serves as a poignant metaphor for the hidden archives within our societies – the oral traditions, personal testimonies, and communal memories that often lack formal documentation. Kiyingi’s work challenges the conventional archives, suggesting that profound historical records can be found in the most unexpected places and objects.

Through his exhibitions and installations, Kiyingi invites audiences to reconsider the socio-political implications embedded within everyday objects. The jerrycan, stripped of its utilitarian function and elevated to an artistic medium, becomes a powerful lens through which to examine issues of identity, displacement, and cultural resilience. His work is a testament to the enduring power of art to unearth and celebrate the richness of human experience, ensuring that no story is lost.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/lifestyle/reviews-profiles/the-jerrycan-as-an-archival-vessel-5557218