Mindfulness in the Hands of Nature
Rwandan artist Mamijo Akimana walks us through guided meditation, self-exploration, and shadow work with her pieces inspired by African fauna and flora.
By African Leadership Academy
Curated by: Rayhana Mouaouia
Mamijo Picture by Mamijo AkimanaAfrican Leadership Academy
Meet Mamijo Akimana
Mamijo Akimana is a visual artist who translates the world around her into art inspired by surrealist techniques. She aims to elicit an emotional reaction from viewers and connect people with parts of themselves through visual pieces.
In an interconnected series of works Akimana takes viewers through a guided meditation, delving into self-exploration, through images of African fauna and flora. Scroll down to be introduced to Akimana's thoughts and notes on each of her works.
BLACK by Mamijo AkimanaAfrican Leadership Academy
BLACK
The world around her is a melting pot because she is still creating her life and choosing her destiny. Her throne, grown from her roots, her surroundings represents life and the jungle that it is…
Control Your Monster 01
In a time where we’re criticized for all that we do and all that we are, it’s hard to be true to ourselves because the world is still navigating how to tolerate our individualism. We have a constant need and desire to be their best selves...
Control Your Monster 03
... and prove that we have everything in order. We attempt to hide and suppress our demons, but what if we let them out, and took control of them? Let our monsters work for us instead of taking control of us.
Potions
From history to our future, not much is certain, we have to witness so much come and go. Do we cherish our surroundings or is it be too much to ask for to co-exist with nature and all its beauty?
We have turned a blind eye to our world. She has taken care of us, fed us and sheltered us. Yet we kill her everyday through pollution and ignorance. There is death around us because she can no longer fight. She is reaching out to us, to save her, to care for her and to heal her. All that is left is the skulls and skeletons as she slowly decays.
The hand that reaches out
We can help to rebuild and save our workd, it starts with offering a hand.
Inyambo: The bonds of Africans and their cattle
A mixed media interpretation of the significance of the inyambo cow and an exploration of colour. They are known for the affectionate solid bond they form with their keepers, as well as their calm temperament. Their elegance is highly prized, earning them a volume of poetry.
Finally we are waking up, we’re taking control of our monsters and working with them to heal what we have destroyed. The bottled emotions carry the pain of what we have done, the anxiety of what is to come and the stress of the work we must put in. All is not lost, we can evolve and we can rebuild our ruins. We can bring back new life, just as life has been given to us.
Eclipse
Inspired by the duality of life’s experiences.
Eclipse
The binaries of good and evil, fors and againsts. Eclipse is a call to dig deeper. Acknowledge the nuances and the in-betweens.
Good wood
All living things are connected. Look closely and you will see it.
We are one with nature, we are all connected. From dust to dust, we come and we go. We have been birthed by Africa, we have drank from her sweet waters and strengthened by her sweet fruit.
Mother Earth, Mama Africa. Her royalty, in all her blackness, let us give back to her.
Mama Africa
Our core, the motherland. She has provided for the world in more ways than known to us. Life started in Africa, let us protect it and care for it as it has taken care of us.
