Art greatly contributes to unity

Editor,It’s true – “Art has never been without meaning in Africa”. The artistic impressions explore and compare various topics affecting Rwanda and Africa in general like deforestation, genocide, colonialism, pollution, industrialisation, and HIV/Aids.History and culture of the past can be conveyed through contemporary art. Art being a human activity acts as a means to some special kind of knowledge that gives an insight into human condition as a tool of education.Today we are deeply concerned with the ecological crisis of our planet. Taking up the challenge to solve this does not only mean resorting to science but we need to start reflecting on the very relationship between our senses and nature itself, namely our aesthetics. That is, a critical reflection on art, culture and nature.The practical function of the exhibition at Ivuka Art Gallery is, I believe, to give art its freedom to share the beauty and intellectual pleasure with the audience by focusing on how we see and understand the world we live in. The artists testify not only in their visionary skills but also their concern for a continued creativity.As Rwanda increasingly opens up to the outside world, it is through art that we can be able to demonstrate and unveil complexities of African history from different perspectives.It is through these and many more exhibitions that we can see how art contributes to the understanding, reconciliation and reflection to remember past and present as an investment of a major importance for every Rwandan after the tragedy of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.Memories, experiences, hope and aspirations are expressed through colours, form and objects, thus creating dialogue, beauty, peace and relations to the visitors. A true soul of a nation, art unites people in its interpretations by playing an intuitive role in the future.All in all, we must embrace art as it is an abbreviation of creativity.David Nkusi, RwandaReaction to the story, “Ivuka: Meeting point for creative minds” (Sunday Times, January 26)

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Art greatly contributes to unity