John Taouss Tuyisambe, Rwandan artist based in South Africa, is among Rwandans in Diaspora who are proud to contribute to the country’s development.

The 34-year old painter is ambitious to create an impact through his paintings.

Tuyisambe says his dream is to see the country’s youth create job opportunities for themselves, and stop relying on their families or end up into risky practices. He wants to help young artists to develop their skills and compete for international markets.

The New Times’ Saul Butera spoke to him, and discovered more.

TNT: What kind of art do you do?

Tuyisambe: I do fine art and print making but I mostly like print making as it makes me feel like doing a very good job.

TNT: What inspired you into art?

Tuyisambe: I was born talented but I developed my through studying before 1994 in a school in Gisenyi and I further developed my talent when I went for further studies in South Africa in 2000 for fine print making.

TNT: What are the challenges you meet?

Tuyisambe: Personally I meet many challenges everyday, I luck art materials which are very expensive and also to be known by people you need to do more exhibitions but getting a place to exhibit your art from it is very expensive.

Also people in Rwanda do not know much about fine art making them not attend the exhibition though they are now picking up interest.

TNT: What do you think should be done to create the awareness about art?

Tuyisambe: Art is a new thing in Rwanda, yet artists have the talent. So, we are calling upon people to come and give us support because art can create and change people’s lives since it gives out different messages. 

TNT: What message can you give to fellow artists?

Tuyisambe: To believe in themselves and work together. This will develop their day-today ideas.

The second thing is to try and have more exhibitions as possible and do them with well known artist so that they can also be known.

Art can be of a big impact in changing a country’s image. Also to make associations, this will make their work easier.

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