Liberation Day: The silverback gorilla-inspired sculpture portraying Rwanda’s rebirth

At first sight, it’s just a metal and scraps of old motorcycles, rusty chains, and forgotten gears. But in the sense, these discarded fragments have been reborn as something far greater and that is a towering silverback gorilla sculpture titled “Renaissance.” The gorilla standing with clenched fists and broken chains, is not just an artistic marvel but it’s a storyteller, a symbol of Rwanda’s journey from devastation caused by the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi to resilience. ALSO READ: Rwanda’s rebirth, 30 years on Created by Aimable Kigenza, a self-taught Rwandan artist known professionally as Aimz Kigenza, the sculpture provides a visual metaphor of the country’s rebirth 31 years after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Through its body, expression, and the materials that shape it, “Renaissance” tells the wounds of Rwanda’s past and the strength that pushed its people toward hope and rebuilding, according to Kigenza. The 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi left Rwanda in ashes, literally and figuratively after over a million lives were lost in just 100 days. The fleeing genocidal regime looted the country, taking away everything of value, even the reserves of the central bank. What remained were only remnants: dust, broken buildings, scattered hopes, and a society fractured beyond recognition. But out of that void, something tangible emerged. “Looking at the image of Rwanda these days, one could wonder if such a country can exist again, and bring joy and happiness to its people and visitors with all these people’s fears physically, and emotionally with zero resources, and destroyed infrastructures,” Kigenza says. “Rwanda managed to rise from dust, ashes and scraps to a giant and strong country in the heart of Africa,” he said, referring to the silverback gorilla sculpture. ALSO READ: Sculptures: Kigali's untapped architectural beauty Breaking down the sculpture On the sculpture, Kigenza uses motorcycle scarps as seen weaving in and out of traffic around Kigali, and are generally thrown away and considered useless like the things left by genocide perpetrators in the country; but here, they form the core of this giant metal creature, standing tall and proud. “The gears set in the abdomen of the gorilla reflect the movement and hard work that have gone into production of a new identity for Rwanda-a small country with gigantic ambitions, glimmering in the heart of Africa,” he explained. “The indignant angry face of the silverback gorilla shows the recognition and disappointment of history but mainly the heart and courage to fight for a better future, the broken chains he holds in his hands represent the successful demolition of the chains of divisions that were brought into Rwandan culture from the outside and fed into its tragic past, and all sort of ignorance, illiteracy, poverty.” Silver Back gorilla stands out as a major tourism attraction that brings global attention, adoration, and awe and enhances the wealth of the country. Kigenza says that the sculpture of sort shows that Rwanda continues to emerge as a giant in Africa; strong, courageous, and with heart. “This gorilla englobes the story of rebirth; it is a symbol that, even after complete destruction, it is possible to return with the energy that is more beautiful, fiercer and stronger than ever,” he noted. About the artist Kigenza’s own story mirrors that of the country he honors. He studied accounting at former National University of Rwanda, but his heart was always in art. Driven by a desire to tell stories and honor life, history, and nature, he traded ledgers for brushes and scrap metal. He is now the Managing Director of Niyo Arts Center, one of the most visited art galleries in Rwanda located in Kacyiru, Gasabo District. He welcomes between 6000 and 10,000 of tourists a year and, through art, providing them a brief look into Rwanda’s soul through art. His artwork goes beyond Rwanda’s borders, and his talent has flown him to various global exhibitions in the United States and other countries across the world. However, he said, the “Renaissance” sculpture is personal. “I dedicate this piece to everyone who may be facing boundaries or the narrative of impossibility, to show that it is always possible to break the chains that bind you and achieve your dreams like Rwanda did and is doing; also to applaud whoever who managed to break the impossibility chains and converted the indignation, with courage, and heart into a successful future,” he explained.

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Liberation Day: The silverback gorilla-inspired sculpture portraying Rwanda’s rebirth