Rwandan multidisciplinary artist Abdoul Mujyambere, on October 14, unveiled his exhibition titled Kigali Utopia Installation, weaving together diverse art forms, including fashion, dance, and photography. ALSO READ: Meet the Rwandan artist whose work is getting global recognition The exhibition was inaugurated at Moshions, located in Kiyovu, and will be open for public until October 21. Following this, it will be extended for an additional two weeks, making its home at Goethe Institut Kigali from October 23 to November 4. Mujyambere described Kigali Utopia as an entirely new ‘universe’ that he crafted, where various artistic disciplines, such as photography, fashion, and dance, harmoniously converge. The amalgamation provides an immersive experience, inviting attendees to explore and engage with diverse artistic mediums. Mujyambere highlighted the multi-dimensional nature of the ‘universe’, stating, You can experience it, watch it, trying to find an explanation for yourself. Whatever that comes, that's it. The artist’s inspiration stemmed from his background, encompassing what he reads and watches, such as history. ALSO READ: Abdoul Mujyambere on his passion for theater and dance He emphasised that the creative journey has been ongoing for a considerable time, stating, It's a long process of inspiration. It's not from one year or two years. When asked about the motivation behind combining the three art forms, Mujyambere linked the idea to his identity and upbringing. I'm an artist who does a lot of things, and I grew up doing a lot of things. So, I try not to hide some part of me and just put it together, and people can see who I truly am, he explained. During the dance segment of the exhibition, the dancers showcased distinct moves, conveying a message through their spirited and vibrant performances. The fashion presentation showcased an array of distinctive collections, with models enhancing the visual appeal as they synchronised their movements with the rhythmic melodies of traditional Rwandan music, Inanga. At certain intervals, the music would fade, permitting the audience to embrace both the models' motions and the uniqueness of the collections. Furthermore, the photo exhibition segment displayed a selection of photographs, each narrating stories of African experiences, particularly resonating with the black community. This section featured approximately seven images. At the showcase held in one of the rooms, newspapers were featured. Additional newspapers were also incorporated into the fashion and dance showcase. Mujyambere explained that his decision to include newspapers was inspired by his passion for news. He believes that news is ever-present and accessible through various media, making it relatable to people from all walks of life. Anisha Soff-Ochieng, the Director of Goethe Institut Kigali, mentioned that Mujyambere was selected as one of their grantees from over 150 applicants who responded to a call for artists with exhibition projects. She commended him for his professionalism and encouraged him to continue his creative endeavors. Moses Turahirwa, the founder of Moshions, where the exhibition is taking place, expressed his gratitude to Mujyambere as well as Goethe Insititut Kigali and L’Espace for the ‘incredible’ artistic experience. He highlighted that Kigali Utopia Installation is the first external exhibition they had ever hosted. Turahirwa noted that the event aligns with the company's mission to support artists and foster a sense of community among artists from various disciplines.
