About Benjamin Ibanda
Art has always been central to Benjamin’s life, beginning with childhood sketches and evolving into the bold, digital illustrations he creates today. During the global lockdown in 2020, he explored painting with watercolors and acrylics before ultimately embracing digital art, where he continues to push boundaries while blending in elements of mixed media.
Since relocating to Dubai in 2022, Benjamin has drawn inspiration from the region’s passion for supercars and fine timepieces. These symbols of precision and luxury resonate with his lifelong fascination, and he channels them into his art using vibrant colors and abstract forms that reflect both individuality and emotion.
Benjamin is best known for his live automotive art, where he transforms cars into living canvases through his signature “Afro-doodle” technique. This unique style fuses traditional African artistry with the sleek lines of modern automotive design, creating performances that merge culture, engineering, and storytelling. His pioneering work has established him as a trailblazer in the field, with several historic firsts to his name:
First artist to paint on a supercar during the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix, marking Lewis Hamilton’s final race with Mercedes.
UAE Representative: Selected as one of only 20 artists to represent the nation at Etihad Airways’ 20th Anniversary Art Project.
First artist to paint on a supercar at Dubai Design District (D3) during a live solo exhibition.
First artist to paint live on a beachfront in Abu Dhabi, transforming a Mercedes Benz GTS at Lama Al Bahr Beach in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office.
Though self-taught as an artist, Benjamin holds an Honors Degree in Business Administration from Uganda Christian University and previously worked at the Central Bank of Uganda. His journey bridges business, innovation, and creativity, making him one of the pioneering Ugandan artists to break ground in the NFT space. (See NFT Collection)
Benjamin’s works have been exhibited worldwide, from Palazzo Merulana in Rome to Times Square in New York, and at renowned events such as Art Basel Miami, GITEX Global, and the Dubai International Boat Show. He has also collaborated with leading brands including 25.55, Mercedes Benz, Etihad Airways, and Group 63, producing exclusive artworks for hypercar launches, cultural initiatives, and global showcases.
Through each creation, Benjamin’s philosophy remains clear: art is not only seen, it’s experienced, uniting culture, innovation, and human emotion.