Born and raised in Kampala 1980, Ismael completed a bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Fine Art (BIFA-Hons) from Margaret Trowell School of Art , Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda in 2005.

During his days at University, he recalls having trouble with his tutors over limited freedom of expression. “ To me, being an artist is being oneself.”

In 2002, a university student then, Ismael was invited teach at Mandela College School in Bweyogerere, Kampala until 2008 when he retired to concentrate on his Painting career.

He gets inspiration from daily activities from the streets of Kampala, beaches and boats on lake Victoria and animals. Although his style renders less detail, his strength lies in forms, controlled light and perspective.

To date his work sells well in International Auction Houses and therefore boasts of a large local and international collector base.