Different strokes

"An important inspiration I've received through this program is seeing how artists from various cultural backgrounds communicate face to face, heart to heart with the universal language of art, and how they can feel the ideas hidden behind each other's works," he added.

Ugandan artist Ruganzu Bruno Tusingwire, who grew up watching a lot of Chinese movies, was drawn to calligraphy during his trip to China.

"I've seen some part of the culture, but it's a different story when you experience it, when you meet masters of calligraphy and understand that they are expressing something more — how they handle brush, how they move with a brush and what it means," he said, adding that he also got to know more about Chinese fonts of different styles and from different times.

By chance, Tusingwire was able to visit the studio of a local calligrapher who was teaching young children.

He was impressed by the small objects and settings there, how she served tea, and how she bonded with her brushes.

The first collector of Tusingwire's work is a Chinese.

"When I came here (to China) and saw these artworks, I knew that I wasn't far from home, especially when I saw the Chinese paintings, I understood why the collector was buying my work and supporting me."