Joel Oswaggo

 Joel Oswaggo, born in 1944, begun drawing when he was still in primary school. He often got caned for this but continued nonetheless. In 1968, he became a sign painter for a company in Uganda. He however moved back home when the Amin years begun.

On returning home, he did not find employment but started working as a vegetable vendor while still drawing and painting. Initially, he did not have buyers for his work until Ruth Schaffner of Gallery Watatu bought his work. From then on, he had the opportunity to showcase both locally and abroad. One of the highlights of his career was that one of his painting won an award at the UN in a poster competition on biodiversity.

Joel's work draws from the traditions of his people, the Luo. He is well known for recording these cultural traditions in his work. His paintings and drawings are detailed and complex with sometimes a caricuture style to his pieces.

The artist is also a respected elder in his community and he also runs a well regarded childrens' art project that teaches children in his village how to express themselves through art.