Gayi Eric Joe is a Ugandan contemporary artist born in Kampala and currently based in Entebbe, Uganda. His practice explores Black identity and cultural memory through meticulous ballpoint pen drawings that merge technical precision with emotional intensity.

Working primarily with ballpoint pen on paper, Joe builds intricate, layered compositions through a slow and cathartic process. Each mark functions as both gesture and release, transforming personal and collective experiences into visual narratives that challenge perception and invite critical dialogue.

Joe’s practice has gained international recognition, including the prestigious Absa L’Atelier Award (2023) and the BIC Art Master of Africa (2021), positioning him as a leading voice within a new generation of African artists.

Beyond the studio, Joe uses @eric_gayi as a platform to amplify conversations around beauty and power. His practice is both visual and political an ongoing assertion of dignity, truth, and cultural pride. Through each drawing, Joe affirms the complexity, resilience, and richness of Black identity.