Artist Goloba Charles paints a new life in Dubai

Meet Goloba Charles, a Ugandan-born artist whose journey to becoming the resident artist at Dubai’s 3 Michelin Star restaurant Trèsind Studio is truly inspiring. 

Since moving to Dubai in 2018, Charles has steadily built a name for himself through his vibrant, memory-filled works that reflect the landscapes, flowers, and spirit of his childhood in Uganda. With a deep passion for painting and a drive to grow creatively, he has found a unique space where art and fine dining meet. 

Today, his work is not only admired on canvas but also integrated into the experience at Trèsind Studio, a testament to where talent, persistence, and opportunity can lead.

Art in the Middle: Tell us a little bit about where you’re from and how your upbringing influenced your art.

Charles: I was born in Uganda, in a village called Mikomago in the Masaka district. I lived there for the first eight years of my life before moving to the city -Kampala- where I stayed until 2018, when I moved to Dubai.

My early childhood in the village had a big impact on my art. The landscapes, the crops we grew during the rainy season - like coffee, bananas, groundnuts, sweet potatoes, and many types of beans - shaped how I see the world. Back then, we didn't buy much; we grew everything ourselves. 

All the things I saw growing up, now show up in my paintings. Most of my paintings are of flowers, landscapes, birds, and small houses - all a reflection of my memories.

Art in the Middle: How long have you been in Dubai, and what has the experience been like for you and your art?

Charles: I moved to Dubai in 2018. At first, I didn’t come as an artist. I was hired by a company in Uganda and brought to Dubai for a cleaning role. It was tough adjusting to the heat, especially, was difficult to adjust to after coming from Uganda’s cooler climate.

But I met some lovely, supportive people along the way. One family in particular, Robert and Jessica, who really helped me. Two people I genuinely will never forget. After I told them about my passion for painting and that I could paint, they surprised me with painting materials as a gift, amongst being supportive and encouraging across the time that I knew them. That’s when I started painting in Dubai.

I also met Jean Winter, someone I had met through conversation. I showed Jean my artwork, she called my work “stunning” and began sharing my paintings on social media, and through that act of kindness people started reaching out to me, enquiring about my paintings. 

An opportunity came about at restaurant Trèsind Studio, which was highlighted to me by Jean, who is in the hospitality industry. I jumped at the opportunity to meet with Chef Himanshu, who interviewed me for a unique role looking after the garden's landscape and create paintings for the restaurant - two areas I was so passionate about. I’ve been here ever since - nearly three years now. I am so grateful to Jean and Chef Himanshu for the chance to showcase my talent and what I could offer.

Art in the Middle: How has your work evolved since being in Dubai?

Charles: Every time I paint, I try to make something better than the last. I’ve had access to materials and support here that I didn’t have back home. I've been able to access materials here in Dubai quite easily. It's very convenient to find art supplies at a range of prices—whether low or high. The restaurant where I work has also been supportive, which I really appreciate. I would say that's something unique to Dubai. The city really has opened doors for me, and I have met some very kind people that have been rooting for me. 

I've had the opportunity to experiment with different media - things I couldn't have done in Uganda. For example, I’ve started creating 3D paintings here. One of my favourite pieces is the in-studio map we use on the dining tables. That’s one of the paintings I love the most. 

I’ve started exploring different mediums too — including 3D painting. One of my favorite pieces is a map of Trèsind Studio that we use on the tables during service. I’ve also done portraits for other restaurants across the city. 

Art in the Middle: Do you belong to any local art communities?

Charles: Not at the moment. I used to be part of a WhatsApp art group, but I couldn't keep up with the activities because of work, so I left. I would definitely love to join a community again in the future.

Art in the Middle: When did you first realise you were an artist?

Charles: Back in 2007, in high school. I always got high marks in art, and my classmates often came to me for help or to copy my work. I used to experiment with all kinds of materials — painting, wood carving, whatever I could find. But back then, it wasn’t about money. I made art for my friends and family, not to sell.

Art in the Middle: What do you hope people see or feel when they view your work?

Charles: I want people to know there’s a place out there - where I come from - that’s full of beauty. Green forests, wildflowers, birds, plants that grow naturally. When I paint, I try to bring that place to life on canvas.

My goal is always to make something impressive. Something that stops someone in their tracks and makes them feel something, even if they don’t know where the place is. I don’t paint the usual flowers you see online. I paint the ones I remember from home — ones that grow on their own, in the wild. I want people to experience that beauty, even if they’ve never been there.

Instagram: @charlespainting256