VISUAL ART in Rwanda continues to show positive signs of growth this year. Even though art galleries, as well as different art scenes have been deeply affected by the pandemic, we have seen a boost through different art galleries in Rwanda. It is in that line that Clement Iraguha, a visual artist, last week, opened a new art gallery in Nyarutarama, a Kigali suburb. The gallery features eight visual artists, including Octave Rurangirwa, Lewis Manishimwe, Patient Iradukunda, and Gilbert Iradukunda, among others. Concept Arts Studio is the newest addition to the growing art galleries that now mark every corner of Kigali especially in Kacyiru. Kacyiru which has now established itself as the city’s arts heart, owing to the high number of galleries and art centers found there. Clement Iraguha, founder of the new gallery Speaking to The New Times, the founder said he thought it would be a good idea to find a new location for his art gallery at a different and new place to keep him unique. On Friday, October 29 at 5 PM, various artists from different art centers, art lovers, and tourists converged at the gallery, which the founder said is a result of the hard work he has put through his artistic passion and his long cherished dreams of founding his own art gallery. The opening ceremony and launch of the gallery went on for three days from Friday October 29, to Sunday October 31, at the gallery. “I had this idea ever since I graduated from Ecole d’Art de Nyundo but I was not ready enough and financially stable enough to start. I kept on reminding myself that I can do it no matter what might come my way. I am grateful that I finally achieved my longtime dream even though there is still a long way to go,’’ he says. Iraguha displayed on the walls some of his unique past paintings and installation art that he’d produced over the past few years as well as the other eight artists the gallery features. Prominently displayed were the big artworks of different artists who are featured by this gallery. Most of them are based mainly on African culture but also other different cultures and messages. “I found that it was ideal to include different paintings of different cultures. Artworks which contain different messages so that everyone will love to see or buy according to their choice,’’ he says. Iraguha also stated that this is a good answer for visual artists who would struggle to find a place they can exhibit or showcase their artworks “This is a good place for every artist who wants to express themselves through art. The gallery will also host different art events including live painting, art exhibitions and much more. The gallery will also be open not only for Rwandan based artists but also all artists worldwide,’’ Iraguha highlighted. “Competition is needed to push the industry forward as well as uniqueness. This is going to make other artists work harder and realise their dreams,” he added. He further explained that the gallery will also have another room for crafts and decor that would be showcased at the gallery. Kigali Soul Gallery’s opening that attracted over 80 guesta featured a live music performance by Tsukala Sankala, also known by his stage name Tsukal. Art and food The gallery also collaborates with Kiss Le Chef, a startup enterprise that sells food and drinks to the guests. Talking to Aline Umuhoza, founder of Kiss Le Chef, she explained that she is an art lover but also wanted to boost her business through serving gallery guests at an affordable price. “I am a fan of art too but I also do business. That made me think of a way I can take a room here inside the gallery and continue my business. A person might be enjoying art but also have a drink or order some meal. I no longer do deliveries only but also serve gallery guests and a good collaboration too,’’ she observed. Annette Umwiza, an art lover who attended the opening ceremony, welcomed the new gallery, saying that this is what artists should strive to do to drive their passion forward. “The opening of new galleries portrays the growth of the art industry in Rwanda. This is also a good opportunity for the artists to market their pieces to attract more clients,” Umwiza said. Future plans Iraguha also added that among the future plans they have. The dominant one is to grow, host several art events and sessions, as well as increase the number of artists who showcase their artworks at the studio. He noted that the gallery will be open every day for the guests and art lovers who want to buy or to visit the gallery, adding that the guests will also be able to access food and drinks at an affordable price.
