Visual artist and photographer Hakim Rachid, also known as Umuntuu, is preparing to headline his debut showcase at the International Art Fair in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Dubbed ‘Hungry Eye Fair’, Hakim will join more than 100 other fine art photographers and artists from around the world from September 17 to 21.
The photo fair consists of a museum quality exhibition in an environment where the focus is on the presentation rather than the commercial experience.
Among five series which he will showcase includes his works that he produced between 2021 and 2023. They include "Walking in black” and "Beauty Redefined” which talks and redefines the beauty of women's bodies regardless of imposed standards to it by society.
Another photo project that Hakim looks forward to showcasing is "Female lines” which explores more of female figures as an extension to the beauty redefined series.
Hakim described the opportunity to feature at the photo fair as a "dream come true” for an artist like him who wants to grow widely on an international level and tell the Rwandan story through his art works beyond Africa.
"My career has been a journey of constant growth. Despite the absence of Rwandan role models in my specific area of photography, I drew inspiration from international artists across the globe, using their expertise to elevate my craft every day,” he said.
According to Hakim, participating in the fair is something he always dreamed of achieving. He sees this opportunity as a chance to advance his career while also helping others who are trying to break into the field.
"Even though I never had a mentor to guide me through my journey, I hope this opportunity and everything I learn from it will help me inspire and support others who want to venture into fine art photography,” he added.
Before Amsterdam, Hakim will present "B’R”, his second solo exhibition in Kigali, running from August 22–29, 2025. The exhibition opens on Friday, at 6:30 PMat Eagle View Golf and will be open to the public free of charge for the entire week.
"B’R” will feature art installations and photographic works from a project spanning 2021 to 2025.
This body of work will offer a preview of pieces to be exhibited at the Hungry Eye Fair in Amsterdam.
"This is the result of my dedication to photography as a Rwandan artist and a step forward for artists and photographers in Kigali towards the international stage, one where we can represent the country and inspire the next generation to aim for greater opportunities,” he said.
Hungry Eye Art Fair is a boutique art fair with the look and feel of a museum, entirely dedicated to fine art photography that showcases photography across three temporal dimensions namely the past (vintage), the present (contemporary), and the future (emerging talent).