Forgiveness by Floride MukabageniRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Art in Rwanda
Rwandan society has a long tradition of artistic expression, with forms like pottery, weaving, poetry, dance, and imigongo (geometric black-and-white cow dung paintings) holding a prominent place. This vibrant artistic heritage continues to flourish today.
Gender and visual art
Rwanda's contemporary art scene has been historically dominated by men, limiting the visibility of talented women artists. However, Rwanda Museums and these women are working to change that.
Meet 5 established and emerging women artists who are reshaping the Rwandan art scene:
1) Teta Chel
With a focus on painting, Teta Chel is a multidisciplinary artist exploring themes that are rarely spoken about or considered as taboos such as mental health and (women's) sexuality, looking into human behaviors towards such sensitive topics.
Teta Chel's work
"Using art as a way to express myself, I draw inspiration from myself, my lifestyle, experiences of people around me and social norms" - Teta Chel
Teta Chel aspires to carve a unique space for artistic expression, not just for herself, but to empower others. She sees art as a tool for self-reflection and healing, aiming to contribute to a healthier society.
2)Eloise Irakarama
A self-taught artist living and working in Kigali, Rwanda, Eloise Irakarama creates mixed medium art using graphite and charcoal on paper, and incorporates in watercolors to portray figures in a surreal sensual way.
lnspired by people and the environment in which she lives, Eloise's work depicts beauty, sensuality and the recurring pattern of facial touch to her pieces bring a sense of beauty that the viewers can relate to.
Eloise's goal as an artist it is to creatively bring to life things that may be inexistent in our world but that people can find beauty in and resonate with.
3)Angela Ilibagiza
Rwamagana-based artist Ilibagiza Angela uses paper collage, a technique learned from Crista Uwase, to create powerful works. A vocal feminist, she advocates for women's rights.
Ilibagiza's art tackles social issues faced by women and girls. Inspired by her interactions, she explores themes like societal expectations placed on women, and the violence they endure.
''My goal as an artist is to make art that I not only enjoy, but that others appreciate and learn from in one way or another, art that lights in the dark and to share knowledge, inspire and empower women and girls; through art" - Ilibagiza Angela
4)Linckah Lydie
Linckah is a visual artist and designer. Her work encompasses mostly women, nature, power in society, family, leadership to mention but a few.
Linckah aspires to use her art as therapy for most people
5) Jemima Kakizi
Nominated for Forbes Women Africa Social Impact Awards 2023; Jemima is a multidisciplinary artist, curator and co-founder of Rwandan Womxn Artists (R.W.A), a collective initiative aiming at bringing together women visual artists in Rwanda and raising their visibility.
How Jemima is tackling climate change in Her works
Jemima's works encompass paintings, art installations using recyclable materials and creating with the community (learning through art) and she explores themes such as women empowerment, mental health, environmental protection, sexual and gender based violence.
Ni wa wundi by Jemima KakiziRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Jemima as an independent curator has curated several travelling exhibitions focusing on mental health.
Content development: Jemima Kakizi, Angela Ilibagiza
Curatorial layout: Chantal Umuhoza
