Visual artists to showcase culture through Art

Four visual artists will from November 14-28 hold the first ever group art exhibition dubbed ‘The Metamorphosis Exhibition’ at Kacyiru based Ivuka Arts Studio. Isakari Umuhire, Bonfils Ngabonziza, Jean Baptiste Rukundo, and Shadrack Kayiranga will come together to blend ideas and skills that will see them showcase a combination of messages which all reflect Rwandans’ way of life. Bonfils Ngabonziza is captured by the camera as he paints 2pacs face. According to Umuhire, the event is meant to help Rwandans explore the beauty of culture and heritage through art and to raise awareness about those who are yet to understand its value. “I always believe that so much more can be achieved through teamwork than it can on an individual basis. We have worked hand and in hand to organize this exhibition. We have previously worked together but this time, we want to basically embark on Rwandan culture and heritage,” he said. Kayiranga posing with a group of children that he trains. The four artistes will showcase different art pieces which include wood carvings, paintings, installation art and mixed media among others. Jean Baptiste Rukundo who started art in 2010 says that with this exhibition, he hopes to convince Rwandans that art is a craft that can be enjoyed and exploited for good purposes. Jean Baptiste Rukundo works on his half butterfly piece. Isakari Umuhire working on his mixed media piece titled Kwirigara “I started drawing and making illustrations at a tender age, and I think that my passion is to relay the message that if you really get to try to understand art, it is something enjoyable. It shouldn’t only be foreigners who should show interest, even Rwandans can because these messages are meant for them,” Rukundo explains. Through this exhibition, the three artistes will also address the environmental issue. “It’s true that our exhibition will also be addressing the role of art in conserving the environment. For instance, we’ll be using recycled materials to make different pieces. Some people actually don’t know the value of recycling,” Rukundo said. The exhibition will feature the live old school local music commonly known as Karahanyuze and free local drinks. Shadrack Kayiranga puts final touches on one of his paintings.

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Visual artists to showcase culture through Art