GYCO Rug Project
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Just in Time for Christmas, the First Ten Rugs Have Arrived in Vienna. Made from Ugandan cotton and woven by women from Gulu (Northern Uganda) on traditional looms, each rug features original designs by East African conceptual artist Louise Deininger.
The GYCO RUG PROJECT creates a cultural bridge in the field of applied arts, as cultural exchange fosters connection among people and contributes to unity between communities. These first originals are therefore something very special - for us, for the GYCO weavers, for the artist, and for every owner of one of these rugs.
All proceeds go directly to the Global Youth Conference Academy (GYCO), supporting its mission to provide young people in Northern Uganda with a brighter future.
DANCING ZURI
ZURI = BEAUTIFUL
140 cm × 100 cm
€ 1,000
95 cm × 53 cm
€ 500
"Above the realm of everyday life rests a web of complexities, saturated with too much information, making one curious about how to navigate life amidst the noise."
Zuri, an alter ego (Generation Alpha), was born at a time when technological progress disrupted the status quo, and she is therefore curious to explore stories from her ancestors’ past, bring them into the present, and dance her way into the future. She invites everyone to join her on a journey into a futuristic adventure of critical thinking, consciousness, spirituality, and identity. Through her spontaneous movements, she challenges conventional perspectives and encourages viewers to question, reflect upon, and explore the invisible layers of existence and adaptability. (Louise Deininger)
ABOUT GYCO
Die Organisation wurde von Louise Deininger ins Leben gerufen, einer afrikanischen Konzeptkünstlerin mit kenianischen und ugandischen Wurzeln. In ihrer Arbeit verbindet sie kritisches Denken mit Fragen des menschlichen Bewusstseins. Inspiriert von diesen Ansätzen engagiert sich die Organisation leidenschaftlich für ihre Mission und unterstützt die Vision der Global Youth Conference Academy, die sich für die Jugend Nordugandas einsetzt.
Auf Grundlage der nachhaltigen Entwicklungsziele der Vereinten Nationen (UN SDGs) fördert die Global Youth Conference Academy positive Veränderungen in der postkonfliktuellen Gesellschaft. Ihr Ziel ist es, das Potenzial junger Menschen, die direkt oder indirekt unter den Folgen von Krieg gelitten haben, vollständig zu entfalten. Durch die Arbeit an ihren Denkweisen sollen sie in Freiheit und Selbstbestimmung wachsen, ihre Träume verwirklichen und sowohl zum Wohl Nordugandas als auch zur Wiederbelebung der lokalen Kultur beitragen.
Die GYCO ACADEMY setzt sich für soziale, wirtschaftliche und politische Inklusion ein, unabhängig von Alter, Geschlecht, Behinderung, Herkunft, Religion oder sozialem Status. Ein besonderer Schwerpunkt liegt dabei auf der Förderung von Frauen und Mädchen, um die Gleichstellung der Geschlechter zu verwirklichen.
mehr unter https://www.gyco.eu/about/
ABOUT LOUISE DEININGER
Louise Deininger’s art is defined by her exploration of the dynamic interplay between spirituality, identity, and tradition. Her tactile, colorful canvas works employ a symbolic language that addresses both universal questions and highly specific cultural narratives. As a contemporary, multidisciplinary conceptual artist born in Uganda and raised in Kenya, she draws from the rich history and traditions of her Terra Mater, incorporating organic materials such as elephant dung, cowrie shells, tree bark, masks, and local Kanga textiles into her works.
Deininger uses materials that hold central significance in African culture. Elephant dung, a symbol of life and healing, or the Kanga cloth, a vibrant fabric widely used in East Africa and often printed with proverbs or social commentary, carry meanings far beyond their materiality: they embody the capacity to remember—a central theme in Deininger’s work, which engages with postcolonial history and its lasting effects.
Her art functions not only as a reflection of African identity but also as a platform for individual and collective empowerment. In her practice, Louise Deininger addresses postcolonial traumas while conveying a powerful message of resistance and resilience. The symbolic objects she incorporates are not merely relics of the past but bridges to contemporary discourse, allowing viewers to engage with historical narratives and recognize their relevance in the context of modern challenges.
To explore all works by Louise Deininger, click here:
