24-YEAR-OLD Jean Damascene Niyitegeka also known as Dama, in collaboration with Indiba Arts space has organised a solo art exhibition dubbed ‘Torment’ that will showcase most of his artworks that he has been working on in a one-year period.

The exhibition kicked off on Friday night, November, 27, at Indiba arts space in Kicukiro district, Rugando cell and will run until December, 12.

Talking to Niyitegeka at the art exhibition space, he said that ‘Torment’ is an exhibition he will showcase over 20 artworks showing different stories and each has a specific description.

"The artworks in my exhibition contain a variety of messages about different people’s lifestyles including mental health issues, social challenges, and a struggle to success.

"I hope everyone who will attend will find his/her own painted story,’’ he says.

According to him, the collection aims to spread different messages that are related to the daily living conditions of a human being that include being patient in every situation, the struggle to success as well as a better future and dealing with mental and physical suffering in life as he explains in his own words,

"Everyone wants success but we forget what it takes, everyone wants a better future but we don’t care how much those who we consider our heroes had suffered to reach their success. It is always a long path that involves suffering both mental and physical, but there is a key to go through them all. It requires patience, self-determination and peace of mind,’’ he shared.

The visual artist revealed that he was inspired by people especially people around him in his community, where he says he want to address those issues and to spread a healing message through his talent.

Niyitegeka started his art journey after graduating at Ecole d’art de Nyundo in 2018. He has since grown a strong attachment to this profession. Currently Niyitegeka is both a painter and a ball pen sketcher, a style he says is not yet popular in Rwanda.

Asked about the artwork that stands out more for him, the artist shared the dubbed portrait of Joe Henderson is his favourite.

"I did this portrait of Joe Henderson because I liked his background and his achievements. Henderson was an American Jazz tenor saxophonist. Born on 21st April 1937 and died on 30th June 2001. I liked his background very much because he tried a different career at his young age. Before he became famous in music, he joined the army two years, where he got an opportunity to attend an art talent show and for his first time, he was chosen for a world tour. In this tour he met other famous musicians who supported and appreciated his talent to later become a famous musician.

This shows us that we don’t have to walk the the same path to reach our goals. Everyone has his /her way to reach his/her goals,’’ he explained.

Asked about his future plans after this, Niyitegeka said he plans to do even more projects and continue to do art, conveying many different messages to society.

Axella Ashimwe, one of the exhibition attendants, shared that she enjoys art events as well as art as it relieves her soul and it is a source of inspiration to her.

"I personally enjoy the art of telling stories through visual artworks like these ones. They contain a strong message that catches everyone’s attention and go deep down to heal the hopeless souls. It is also a source of inspiration to many of us that there are many ways we can use to spread a message that can change the world for the better,’’ she observed.

The ball pen sketcher said that he has started receiving positive feedback adding that Indiba art space will be open every day from 8AM till late night hours for anyone who is interested.