22-year-old visual artist, Mediatrice Uwamahoro, creates beautiful masterpieces using recycled materials. Uwamahoro's artworks include abstracts, flowerpots, sculptures, and wall hangings, all made from materials like papers, plastics, clothes, and sachets. She began doing this as a hobby and turned it into a profession in 2018. Since then, Uwamahoro has been working hard to build her brand T Worthy and raising awareness around her unique style of art. Uwamahoro says her journey in art began when she was in primary four, when she watched her brother draw and from him learned how to create some sketches. As she progressed to senior one, her artistic talents received a boost when she emerged victorious in a comic story competition. She said the experience was nothing short of transformative, as it provided her with an outlet to channel her creative energies and explore new ideas. This accomplishment served as a catalyst for her passion for art, fueling her desire to delve deeper into the world of visual expression and experiment with different styles until she found a unique one that resonated with her. As she turned her attention towards pursuing a career in art, Uwamahoro says she was motivated by a desire to showcase her skills and demonstrate to the world what she was truly capable of. Uwamahoro's artwork is unique and not popular in Rwanda, where most artists use paints, pencils, and pens. By transforming waste into something beautiful, she aims to change people's perceptions of what is considered valuable. I turn what may appear to be waste into beautiful artwork that everyone can appreciate, she explained. This type of art is not yet popular in Rwanda. I transform paper and other materials into various products such as pot flowers, sculptures, wall hangings, and more. This approach is helping me build my brand in the industry and further my development. Uwamahoro mentioned that despite her success in creating beautiful artwork from recycled materials, one of the challenges she faces is the lack of understanding of the value of her work. She says some people do not fully appreciate the effort and creativity that goes into her unique pieces, which could result in her work being undervalued, affecting her sales. Despite these challenges, Uwamahoro has made significant strides in the art industry. She is among the top 10 contestants of the latest edition Art Rwanda- Ubuhanzi, the country's biggest national competition. The masterpiece presented by her in the contest depicts the Imbuto Foundation. The figure in the artwork resembles First Lady Jeannette Kagame, while the leaf it holds symbolizes the various initiatives of the Imbuto Foundation, such as Art Rwanda Ubuhanzi, advocacy for girls' education, and aid for women who survived the Genocide, she explained. Uwamahoro has also built her brand, has a working place and people to sell her artwork. She says that she no longer begs people to buy her art, but instead, people appreciate its beauty and are willing to buy it. She is also planning to set up collection points for waste materials like water bottles, papers from classes, and others, to show people that they shouldn't scatter waste but keep it in one place. Uwamahoro's work is essential not just for its aesthetic value, but also for its environmental impact. By using waste materials, she reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, promoting a sustainable way of living. Apart from being a visual artist, Uwamahoro is also a poetess and traditional dancer. She is pursuing a degree in law at the University of Lay Adventists of Kigali.
