A studio exploration of paintings to conserve the shoebill bird species in Uganda

Abstract

The purpose of this study was conserve the hoebill bird species in Uganda by documenting its life through studio possibilities in painting'·. The study was guided by three objectives: (I) To identify the major threats affecting the Shoebill. (2)To analyze how different visual artists have used the Shoebill in their deigns (3) To articulate the life of a shoebill through different studio possibilities in painting. The study \\as carried out in Kampala and Wakiso District where (28) respondents were purposively elected. The study was experimental in nature and the research methods included: interviews. observation. library and archival survey. photography and studio exploration. A total of sixteen ( 16) experiments were carried out and data was recorded and analyzed qualitatively) using the narrative method . Data was disseminated through exhibition and catalogues. The findings revealed a worrying state of birds in general and the Shoebill in particular; and the need for immediate conservation. The study further discovered that human activities are the major threats to birds. Such activities include hunting. destruction. fragmentation and degradation of habitats among others. The researcher hopes that the studio explorations will go a long way in helping the conservation of the hoebill and other bird species in Uganda as well as providing relevant information to but not limited; the community, artistic fraternity. scholars researchers. academicians. Government Authorities and wildlife agencies.