The Art of Revolution Spotlight: Melanie Luyima
Now is a time for radical change.
At Uprising Theater, we believe that art is a pillar of revolution. Inherently interactive, it forces society to engage with the perspectives of individual communities. From ten-story murals to fashion, to photography, to dance, art elevates the voice of the people. As a Palestinian American theater company, our mission has always been to amplify the voices of marginalized communities seeking social justice. As our society faces this exciting movement, we feel it imperative to play a role in passing the mic to Black voices.
Meet the Artist
Melanie is my name, but my friends call me Mel. I'm truly full of character. I have been pursuing my love for fashion and design professionally since 2007. I was born and raised in Kampala, Uganda, but I now live in Los Angeles, California, where I will continue to follow my passion for fashion.
As a child, I loved playing dress-up and would create something for myself out of anything, including newspapers and cutting up pillowcases to make a top or dress. Sometimes this would get me in trouble! I always created designs, but my greatest masterpieces started after the birth of my son, Cruz. He is my greatest achievement and inspiration.
The Art
Behind the Art
My passion started as a child in Kampala. At the age of 11, I started designing and making dresses to earn extra cash for school needs. I always hand made everything but would look for a local tailor to touch up and make slight improvements to my work since I never owned a personal sewing machine. This was going well for some time until the tailor started stealing my designs and making them her own without crediting me. I started on an operation called Own A Sewing Machine. I later got it by babysitting neighbors' kids for a few shillings to contribute to my mission.
Most of them were impressed, and within a short time, I OWNED ONE. I never went to school for fashion design. I am self-taught. Maybe someday, I will upgrade and become a much better designer. After several years of practice, I started designing wedding gowns and kid's clothes, mostly women's.
I have designed a few for men as well. My skill now goes beyond my previous designs, and I enjoy working with cotton, African wax, and anything stretchy.
My design knowledge is vast and limitless in what I can put together on my Brother sewing machine. I love to incorporate elegance suitable for the needs of modern-day styles.
I still add simplicity to its nature, suitable for adults and children. I'm a proud fashion designer and mother. My designs have graced the Malengo foundation's Hot Pink catwalk, a charity helping people with disabilities, at the Italian Embassy in Uganda for The Seeds of Hope, helping raise money for women living with HIV and Bride and Groom Uganda, to mention a few.
Connect & Discover
The Art of Revolution
Spotlight Series
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This is only the beginning.
The goal of The Art of Revolution Series is to commission at least ten Black female and non-binary artists to amplify their rich artistic contributions in the medium of their choosing.
Throughout July, we will be introducing you to the selected artists and showcasing their work. We encourage you to like, subscribe, follow and share their work.
Support Local Voices.
Your support enables us to continue our mission: using art to amplify the voices of marginalized groups. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to support our ongoing work. Any amount will make an impact. Donations can be made through our GoFundMe Charity Page or via PayPal. Please note/select #BlackArtMatters.