Rosemary Karuga, born in 1928

Rosemary Namuli Karuga is a Kenyan visual artist born in 1928. She is recognized as the first woman artist to study at Makerere University, playing a pivotal role in the art community in Kenya. Before dedicating herself to her artistic career, she taught art in rural Kenya until the 1980s, when she transitioned to becoming a full-time artist.

Karuga gained prominence as an Artist in Residence at the Paa ya Paa Arts Centre in Nairobi in 1987. Due to health challenges, she later relocated to Ireland, where she continues to influence the art scene. Her work often reflects her rich cultural heritage and engagement with contemporary themes.

In 1990, Rosemary Karuga participated in the group exhibition "Contemporary African Artists: Changing Tradition" at the Studio Museum in Harlem, showcasing her contributions to the art movement. Her artworks are part of notable collections, including the National Museums of Kenya, as well as private collections such as the Red Hill Gallery, Murumbi Trust, and Watatu Foundation.

Karuga's impact in the art market is significant, highlighted by her lifetime achievement award from the African Voice newspaper, underscoring her legacy as a trailblazer for women artists in Africa.