Kigali Triennial Festival: Distinctive African art, culture take centre stage

Painters, sculptors, curators, and artists gathered on February 20 to display their exceptional talents during the ongoing maiden Kigali Triennial Festival. The festival, officially opened its doors on February 16, drawing artists and enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds to celebrate African art and culture. Graced by the Minister of State for Youth and Arts, Sandrine Umutoni, among other people, the event is part of a 10-day extravaganza that will conclude on February 25. Organised through a collaborative effort by the Ministry of Youth and Arts, the City of Kigali, and the Rwanda Arts Initiative, the exhibition, hosted at Architectural House at the University of Rwanda’s College of Science and Technology (CST), gave a glimpse into the future of the art sector—within the country and beyond. Among the artistic expressions, several remarkable works captured the audience’s attention. Each piece impressed with its artistic skill and also had a lasting impact on the inherent creativity of Africans and the deep spirit to preserve and uphold ancestral traditions. In no particular order, we present to you some of the individuals whose artistic creations have transformed the space into a lively atmosphere with many extraordinary displays that not only impress but also resonate with the inherent creativity of Africans and their commitment to preserving and celebrating culture. Timothy Wandulu He uses art to deconstruct and reconstruct social narratives, making human stories his artistic focus. His work serves as a voice and tool for raising awareness, prioritising human connection in his practice. One of Wandulu’s pieces, ‘Before I Leave’, is an immersive art installation consisting of 193 metallic suitcases representing United Nations member states. The installation delves into the plight of refugees, especially those in Rwanda and beyond, using visual symbolism and sensory engagement to underscore the obstacles they encounter in their quest for a stable home, showcasing their resilience. Francois Robin Mucyo Mucyo, a contemporary visual artist, completed his Fine Arts degree at Paris 8 University in France. He has cultivated and is still delving into his unique style centred on the “bleaching process” of textiles. Most of his creations are made during his various trips – Africa, America, Asia, and Europe, where he immerses himself in the local experience to absorb his surroundings before paying tribute to the country’s history, culture, or people through his pieces. In this regard, he titled his work ‘Brothers’. He stated, “They are siblings, I aimed to depict them in a manner that resonates with viewers. It embodies a sense of humanity. Despite facing challenges, I have faith in humanity’s capacity to recover and redefine itself. As an artist, I feel it is our responsibility to evoke emotions beyond the ordinary. Art serves as a conversation and a source of enlightenment.” ALSO READ: Art is incomparable and irreplaceable Christian King Dusabe The painter, based in Kigali, is a visual artist and a graduate of Nyundo School of Music and Arts. Dusabe’s works can be described as contemporary figurative portraiture abstract. His painting style has evolved to be more exploratory in terms of colours and shapes, with human figures and portraits as his prime subjects. He uses oil, acrylic, and watercolour in his art. Aine Jovial Hirwa The 21-year-old painter and visual artist has always had a strong passion for drawing, especially creating detailed maps of Rwanda and Africa. What started as a relaxing hobby has now become a meaningful and life-changing journey for him. “My art is not just about being creative; it has a deeper purpose. I want my artwork to be a symbol of strength, empowering those who feel vulnerable or unnoticed.” Through his paintings, he aims to inspire people, motivating them to take control of their own lives and recognise their true abilities. “Each brushstroke in my art carries a message of encouragement and self-discovery,” he said. Hirwa’s artworks create a connection between the present and the past, blending reality with imagination. Benjamin Rusagara The sculptor uses his art in the reconstruction of materials, and figures in his paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and installations by focusing on greys to give power to the silverback gorillas. He focused on themes of reconciliation and resilience following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Additionally, he created a scripting language named “Nkusunkushi” to embody his cultural heritage through unique forms and symbolic meanings.

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