Kampala — A lot of things in northern Uganda may have been drawn aback by the two-decade long war, perpetuated by Joseph Kony's rebels. However, one thing is not among them - art.

Gulu district, probably the most vibrant in the north is known for its pulsating Acholi traditional culture, especially music and dance.

When it comes to modern visual culture such as painting, sculpture and printing, showcasing has remained a mystery in the northern region.

This mystery was defused last Monday when Gulu registered its first-ever modern art exhibition at the TAKS gallery in Gulu town.

Dubbed ' Gifted Hands, Brighter Future', the on-going show is the climax of a year-long project conducted by Let Art Talk, a skills empowerment charity founded by world renowned printmaker, Fred Mutebi, and executed by students of Laroo School of War Affected Children.

Whereas the region has significantly contributed to Uganda's art culture, there has never been an art show there and the obvious reason could be financial.

By setting a precedent by traumatised children, this could mark the beginning of an art revolution in the north.

Over 15works sold before the official opening of the exhibition raised about sh500,000, which was handed over to the students, who made the works.

The works on display include prints, watercolour paintings, batiks, textile designs and bark cloth products such as bags, tablemats, wallets and photo frames.The prices range between sh20,000 and sh50,000.

The project was supported by the Presidential Emergency Fund for Aids Relief and US Embassy Cultural Affairs Small Grants office. The exhibition will end on December 5.