Rwanda has a wealth of creative talent and over the years, the visual arts industry has been growing as artists turn their passion into profit.
Rwanda has a wealth of creative talent and over the years, the visual arts industry has been growing as artists turn their passion into profit.
Several mushrooming art galleries have provided a platform for artists to increase their exposure and develop their career development. Art exhibitions are also often organized to promote the teaching and understanding of contemporary art in the country.
In this regard, four visual artists from Ivuka Arts Centre are in final preparations to organise an annual art exhibition dubbed ‘Get In Touch With Your Body’.
The artists include Bruce Niyonkuru, Jackson Manzi, Moses Izabiriza and Frank Ndutiye. The two-week exhibition is scheduled to open early next month, and will include live paintings, art performance and body painting.
Niyonkuru says ‘Live Painting’, is about expressing creativity on canvas.
"The story behind this idea is to express ourselves using different styles and techniques individually and as a group of artists," he says.
He adds that the idea is to connect people with different cultures.
"While other people use music, poems and even crying to express their thoughts, ideas and emotions, we use colours to pass our message," the 24-year-old artist says.
He explains that people should live in cultural diversity without any one feeling offended by other cultures.
"We shall have body paintings using different styles and techniques, and each painting will have a message to express,” he adds.
He says that it’s time for Rwandans to appreciate art and to start wearing art.
The idea is to change the mindset of people to enjoy modern style of art, which has been commercialized.
Niyonkuru says that through the event, art is going to tell the stories of the Rwanda community and provide a platform to also enjoy it.
Izabiriza says art plays a big role in the community. "This is why we came up with this idea where people from different cultures have the opportunity to meet other people of different cultures."
He adds that they're going to breathe new life into discarded objects through using art that passes on special messages.
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