Art lovers thronged Inema Arts Centre in Kacyiru on Thursday for a solo art exhibition by Ben Playle, a British artist based in Rwanda.

Attendees were treated to beautiful paintings on canvasses that graced the walls of the famous art centre known for hosting local as well as international artists. The theme of the exhibition was Cans on Canvass.

Speaking during the event, Playle noted that it was not the first time he was holding an exhibition at the art centre. In December last year, he held a joint exhibition with international artist Matt Jones.

Playle who is also a furniture maker based at Hip Workshop in Nyarutarama noted that it’s wonderful to see both international and local artists coming together to share their experiences. He said that it is a great way through which art in Rwanda can be promoted.

"I have seen remarkable improvement in the art industry since I came to Rwanda two years ago. The opening of various art centres around Kigali and exhibitions held by different artists is a clear testimony that art in Rwanda is growing, which is amazing,” he said.

 Playle’s artwork is inspired by daily life happenings  in Rwanda. 

Some of the work that he exhibited had Rwanda authentic themes like people carrying heavy goods on bicycles, beautiful Rwanda women donning bitenge and the country’s rich flora and fauna. The artist paid tribute to his model, British arts icon, Banksy – a graffiti master, painter, activist and filmmaker.

Emmanuel Nkuranga, the co-founder of Inema arts centre described the event as a wonderful feeling, saying that their work at the centre is to bring in more international artists who can share their work and experience with Rwandan counterparts.

"It’s good to see that art in Rwanda is growing but having artists from around other parts of the world is a great experience,” Nkuranga added.