REMY IRADUKUNDA, 25, is well known to have introduced and impressed people with his live painting skills. He became aware of his passion in art during secondary school where he used to assist teachers in drawing. After ordinary level, he joined Nyundo School of Arts to nurture his talent. Iradukunda does painting, art wiring and mirroring “I always enjoyed drawing in my notebooks and was asked by my teachers to draw on the board. One of my teachers told me about Nyundo School of Art and that I should apply because she believed I was talented. Looking at how singers interprete music, I was inspired in doing the same but through art,” he told The New Times. After completion at Nyundo, Iradukunda went to former Kigali Institute of Science and Technology to pursue creative design. He believes he inherited his talent from his grandfather because of how artistic he is. Challenges “As a live painter it is not easy to be given a stage because it is not yet known and recognised by Rwandans. Generally, art is underrated because people think our prices are high so some choose not to buy it. Art is more than the materials seen from the outside because it takes time and one has to be wise to create something powerful that cannot even be copied by anyone else,” he says. “It is difficult during this pandemic because people do not buy paintings, they just visit galleries,” he added. Achievements Iradukunda shared that the first income he ever earned was during high school in a live painting competition named ‘Dream Car,’ where he won Rwf300, 000 and was awarded full scholarship. He also took part in and reached the finals of Art Rwanda Ubuhanzi where he painted king Rudahigwa live, which exposed his talent more. Through the competition, he got many opportunities, including an incubation with a professional artist trainer. “I have a poultry farming business, a small game center that I share with my younger siblings and plots of land. I also have a school of art where I teach children four days per week at Kibagabaga and held, every Saturday, a project called ‘Paint with us’, thanks to Art, he says of his achievements. Iradukunda now works at Envision Art Center founded by Peter Lee who trained him and introduced him to many opportunities including a work space. “I attended Iwacu Muzika Festival twice and many people saw my work and approached me afterwards. I had an honour to perform at a powerful summit called Global Gender Summit for the president and the first lady. On September, 2019, I represented the country in Bienal de Luanda for peace summit in Angola with the help of Imbuto Foundation,” Iradukunda added. His vision and advice “My live painting work involves painting legends mostly those who passed away and anything about motivating, inspiring and bringing hope to people. I encourage every young person who is passionate about art to keep up and never give up, eventually they will make it because it is possible,” says Iradukunda. “I wish to be known even outside the country and be able to participate in different festivals around the world. I believe if we work together both artists and singers we can help each other with connections and rise our flag higher though art,” he added. Iradukunda is planning his first exhibition which he will inform people about soon. To reach Iradukunda, you can contact him on: Email: remyiradukynda12@gmail.com Instagram: remyiradukunda Twitter: remyiradukunda1 Tel: +250788834929
