27-YEAR-OLD, Maxmillien Muhawenimana, found his niche in wire art. He was introduced to the craft at the age of seven, making toy cars from wires. He later joined Nyundo School of Arts in 2018 to nurture his talent. “I was passionate and ready to join the creative industry. I wanted to make something which is unique. I enjoyed doing arts and to introduce others in the artistic world, so I decided to engage myself in this career,’’ he told The new Times. Wire sculpture art is the process of making art and decoration out of wire. To put up on display purely from metal. “I fell in love with the artistic world, for me everything around me is art. Wires are very easy to manage and can be turned into many different shapes. Art is a language that everyone can understand,’’ Muhawenimana added. The artist engaged in wire art, inspired by his love for nature and expression of arts but particularly the art of making jewellery, home decor, statues and other decorations. “Wires are used for electricity or building materials but I also use them to make my crafts as well. The reason why I chose to use wires and metals is to be unique,’’ he says. So far the artist has attended different exhibitions like ‘Autour de moi arts exhibition ‘in 2019 ‘World wood day exhibition’ which both took place in Mexico in 2018. some of his art works. “I had a great experience, at the exhibition I met with other artists and was inspired by what they do but particularly, learning from foreign artists, I realised that art sector in our country is not yet valued and that artists need to improve it,’’ he said. However, just like other works of art, wire art comes with challenges, including shortage of material and the lack of awareness about wire art. “It is hard to find some of the materials that I need. Another thing is that many people do not value art but this is getting better, compared to the past years,’’ he said. So far his biggest challenge remains the biggest showroom with which he can expose his artworks (in the exhibition) because some of them are very long and big in size. When asked about his favorite craft he said that it is nature curved in metals and wires because most of his clients value nature as well. Talking about his plans after he won Arts Rwanda- Ubuhanzi he said he is planning he hopes will be his biggest exhibition so far, in September this year. “Winning an art competition was a great achievement, I got the courage to implement my projects and an opportunity to evaluate my art as well. I am looking forward to host my biggest exhibition in September, where I should express myself through my artworks’’ he says. His artworks include different art pieces made in wires and metals including Silver Aluminum Craft Wire, Authentic Sterling Silver Wire, Artistic Wire 20-Gauge Bare Copper Wire and some metals. Talking about the impact of wire sculpture in the community, Muhawenimana said that recently he worked with many youth and gave them some part time jobs, and has started receiving many orders from abroad. “Most importantly, I am proof to the young generation that it is still possible to be creative and innovative. It is possible to achieve your goals, you have just to stand your ground,” he added. “I am expanding the size of the market, and promoting the use of advanced technologies in the art sector. This industry is growing big and we also look forward to expanding across the country,” he added. To reach Muhewimana, you can contact him on: Instagram: Mackson Maxmillien Email: Mackson015@yahoo.com Contacts: 0781582930
