Kevin Murengezi, 22, wasn’t fortunate to set his eyes on some of his relatives. He was born after 1994 the Genocide against the Tutsi, when most of them were killed. The stories that his mother tells him about those sad events leave him speechless. Considering his skill as an artist, he decided to paint photos that portray commemoration, hope and unity, 27 years on. One of his photos, illustrates a sad man. It’s illustrated in black and white and depicts how most of the people feel when April approaches as they recall their loved ones lost. “The sharp eyes and angry face is for disappointment but it also shows that hope is not lost yet. This portrait sends a message of a new beginning, the willingness to reunite and work together and smile again,” he says. Through art, he strives to bring a message of hope and healing to the broken hearted Murengezi carries on that Kwibuka keeps him stronger because in such times, he doesn’t feel lonely for he gets support from friends, family and the country as well. He showcases another portrait of a person crying; revealing how April was a month of darkness where light was a crime in 1994. He also shows that truly time heals or breaks the ones existing. His other photo is a portrait of ‘holding hands,’ this he says is a sign of unity explaining that this picture shows that not every storm was made to break you, and that some were made to build you. A portrait symbolising unity To him, Kwibuka is a reminder that when two people are willing to work together, they can get through any storm. The youngster says that remembering the past sad memories is the option that Rwandans chose to heal from their wounded hearts and scars and rebuild the country to create a visible future. “Every tear that rolled down is a lesson learned. We are one; we are Rwandans now and forever. It is everyone’s role to spread the message so that such an incident never happens again,” he says. Murengezi is a digital artist who uses a drawing tablet and software, which includes; Clip studio, krita, Photoshop and among others.
