In January 2024, we were invited by the Africa Arts Kollective (AAK) to Kampala, Uganda, to collaborate with eight local artists and artisans working with imported waste glass—a material that is difficult to recycle locally. Over three intensive weeks, we co-designed story-driven souvenirs made from this waste glass, each object reflecting a personal narrative about Uganda. In doing so, the works quite literally transform the by-products of tourism into meaningful objects that travel back home with visitors.

The results of this collaboration were presented in a dedicated exhibition at Museum Arnhem. The glass works were displayed in large transparent vitrines, emphasizing both their material fragility and their value. Monumental fabric portraits of the participating artists were installed alongside the objects, each accompanied by a text about their story and design. Semi-transparent curtains printed with process images and photographs from our studio created layered sightlines throughout the space, connecting Uganda and the Netherlands visually and conceptually.

At the end of the exhibition, the works were auctioned, with the full proceeds donated to Masterpiece Development Foundation (MDF), the collective’s new name and next step forward. The auction enabled the foundation to invest in essential equipment, while Museum Arnhem acquired three pieces for its collection.

We remain in close contact with MDF and are committed to continuing and expanding this collaboration in the future.

This project was made possible with the support of Stichting DOEN.