Exploring The Best of Rwanda’s Art Scene

Art enables us to find ourselves, and lose ourselves at the same time~Thomas Merton

Art, like beauty, lies a lot in the eyes of the beholder… You can’t reason it out, as it is often subject to one’s interpretation. It is one of the most beautiful expressions of man’s internal workings, to the world.

Before my visit to Inema Arts Centre, I had never been to an Art Gallery and if I have, it must have slipped my mind… It worked out that my first visit to an Art Gallery would happen in Rwanda. 🙂

Keen to make the best of our limited time in Rwanda, Wanjiku Thuo and I settled on an impromptu expedition to Inema. The pictures we’d seen of Inema Arts Centre were inspiring and bold; it was a call we absolutely had to obey. 😀

When we got to Inema, I was giddy with excitement; sort of how I usually feel each time we are at a mesmerizing location. 😀 As you walk in, you are met with unique art pieces and a colourful building that betrays the creativity within. You know, without a doubt, that what awaits you inside, is nothing short of fascinating.

We sought permission to take pictures, which turned out to be a wise decision on our part. Perhaps, it is that we recognized the blood and sweat behind Inema’s artistry, and we respected it…

This led us to meet Innocent Nkuruzinza, a friendly, tall, dread-locked fellow, who happens to be one of the top artists in Rwanda. He immediately guessed that we were Kenyans, which was quite amusing. 😀

Innocent graciously informed us that they don’t always allow pictures at the Gallery. The reason being that many people are too busy taking selfies to appreciate the art (smart phone problems- Ha!). 😀 There have also been instances where pictures are used in forgery of unique pieces by art thieves- which is a pity.

My face fell to the floor-I could not imagine being unable to share  Inema’s charm with the world. Thankfully, Innocent gave us a go-ahead, having clarified our mission. 😀

 

The centre was founded by Innocent Nkuruzinza and his brother Emmanuel Nkuranga. They are both great proponents of art in Rwanda. Their deep love for art led them to open a centre that could nurture artistic talent and creativity in the country.

They hold classes and workshops to train people with an interest in art, music and dance. More so, they have projects to create employment and support orphans in the community.

With the license to shoot, we felt right at home among the contemporary pieces of art. I love the creativity in all their pieces.

I learned that art does not merely lie on canvass…. It can also be the inventive conversion of what would be considered as ‘useless’ items, into bespoke pieces of art.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: WANJIKU THUO

Whether or not you are a fan of traditional art, you will find something here that will captivate your interest.

We also met Joseph Ntwali, a soft-spoken upcoming Artist. He was hospitable to us, explaining that Inema Arts Centre houses about 10 artists who live and work there.

It was time well-spent, appreciating the creativity at Inema.

Being a busy day for them, we did not have as much interaction with the artists as we’d have liked. I would love to go back someday, to learn more about the Arts’ centre from stories that the artist alone can tell. 🙂

You can easily tell that ingenuity is key among the artists. The pieces we saw were unconventional, inspiring and thought-provoking. It is clear that they are dreamers and visionaries. 🙂

I am now more inspired to check out galleries back home, and wherever I travel….

Are you a lover of art? Is there an Art Gallery near you that I can visit? Let’s hear it on the Comments’ Section below 😉 🙂

 

Every Child is an artist, the problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up~Pablo Picasso

 

Tip: Visit Inema Arts Centre’s Website for more information on  their pieces and projects.

 

Inema Arts Centre