Kristof Titeca ed. Nasser Road – Political Posters in Uganda

Along Nasser Road in Kampala, anything can be produced and sold, from university degrees to fake identity cards. However, one of its main products is posters portraying heads of state and dictators as superpowered fighters – highly charged geopolitical depictions of the struggle against Western imperialism, in which international villains are celebrated as anti-heroes. The United States, Russia, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, North Korea, China, and various African nations are all players in a glorified military-industrial complex, as presented in a selection of posters by collector Kristof Titeca, accompanied by contextual images by Ugandan photographers and an essay by activist Yusuf Serunkuma.

These posters offer a unique perspective on the complex geopolitical dynamics at play, where the lines between heroism and villainy are often blurred. They present a visually striking and unapologetic celebration of those who are perceived as standing up against the forces of Western influence and oppression. The inclusion of diverse national players, from global superpowers to regional powers, underscores the breadth of this narrative and the sense of a shared struggle against a common enemy.

The photographs and essay provide additional context, shedding light on the cultural and sociopolitical underpinnings of these visual representations. Through the lens of Ugandan artists and activists, the posters are given a deeper understanding, revealing the intricate web of local and global power dynamics that shape the perceptions and narratives surrounding these figures.

Ultimately, the collection curated by Kristof Titeca offers a thought-provoking exploration of the ways in which art and propaganda intersect in the public sphere. These posters serve as a window into the complex and often contentious discourses surrounding national sovereignty, resistance, and the shifting balance of power on the global stage.

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