Visual artists are known for their creativity and innovation in their work, but one artist, in particular, has taken his passion for art to the next level by transforming his art gallery into a vibrant creative hub. Meet Clement Iraguha, a talented visual artist based in Kigali making dreams come true. ALSO READ: A visual artist’s goal to get youth to embrace and preserve Rwandan culture In 2021, Iraguha opened Kigali Soul, an art gallery in Nyarutarama, which quickly became a popular destination for art lovers. However, as time went on, he realized that he wanted to create a space where artists could not only exhibit their work but also collaborate and share ideas. That was when he decided to transform his gallery into a creative hub. Iraguhu told The New Times that the hub aims to empower and equip creatives in Rwanda with the platform and tools they need to unleash their full potential and share their art with the world. ALSO READ: Artist looks to help youth better understand Rwanda’s liberation story “We recognise that creative expression has the power to inspire, educate, and drive necessary social change, and we aim to harness this transformative power of the arts. Our mission is to create a vibrant artistic community in Rwanda that promotes positive social change while celebrating the country’s cultural heritage and driving innovation. We empower creatives in Rwanda to unleash their potential, using art as a catalyst for positive social change,” he said. ALSO READ: Kwibuka: Digital artist on commemoration collection, teaching youth through art Kigali Soul has hosted a number of exhibitions including the ‘At the Entrance’ exhibition curated by Jamima Kakizi and featured the work of eight Rwandan female artists, ‘The Heart of Trinity’ by Henry Munyaneza, and ‘Wild Gaze’ exhibition by Fredrick Mutesasire, among others. The creative hub also hosts dancing classes, spoken word, a monthly poetry event, and art classes, among others. The gallery has since become a hub of activity, with artists constantly coming in and out, sharing their ideas and working on new projects. Iraguha is proud of what he has created, and his passion for art has only grown stronger. He hopes to continue expanding the space, and to one day open up similar hubs in other parts of the country. ALSO READ: KomezArt: Empowering Rwandan artists through e-commerce The young artist’s dedication to promoting collaboration and sharing ideas has helped foster a community of artists who are pushing the boundaries of what art can be. Through his work, he has shown that art is not just a product to be admired, but a powerful force that can bring people together and inspire change.
