Willy Karekezi, Never Again, acrylic on canvas, courtesy of the artist, Uburanga Art Studio, Kigali, Rwanda
June 24 – September 17, 2017
Two Rwandan artists, Jean Bosco Bakunzi and Willy Karekezi, present their most recent paintings. Both of these emerging artists’ young lives were impacted by the violence of 1994. Their vibrantly colorful paintings joyfully celebrate the rebirth of Rwandan culture. Also on view are the finely crafted traditional Rwandan weavings from the collection of Marty and Dileep Mehta, as well as contemporary Rwandan weaving from the collection of Anne Gahongayire.
This exhibition is organized in consultation with Anne Gahongayire, presently a scholar-in-residence and adjunct professor at Oglethorpe University. Ms. Gahongayire recently held the position of secretary general of the Judiciary of Rwanda, Kigali, during the crucial reconstruction period.
Artist Jean Bosco Bakunzi, founding director of the Uburanga Art Studio, Kigali, has also provided invaluable advice, connections, and insight which made this exhibition possible. Mr. Bakunzi, who lost his parents to the genocide, founded the Uburanga Arts Studio to contribute to the development of Rwanda’s fine art scene. He was driven by his conviction and experience that “art has the power to heal people physically, mentally, and emotionally.”