Love Letters from Meliibees: Images by a Rwandan-Kurdish Photographer
Get to know photographer Meliibees and discover key locations in Rwanda that inspires her work.
Rubavu (2021-05) by MeliibeesMILELE CONTEMPORARY LAB
Self-exploration Journey for Meliibees
Meliibees is a multidisciplinary artist from the Netherlands. Growing up far away from the Motherland, she dedicated these photographs to her self-exploration journey on her heritage. Explore Gisenyi/Rubavu in this story, the second largest city in the Western part of Rwanda
Rubavu (2021-05) by MeliibeesMILELE CONTEMPORARY LAB
Far away from The Motherland
Meliibees grew up in The Netherlands and Belgium with a Rwandan mother and a Kurdish father. She always felt the need to get closer to her roots. When an internship opportunity came in Rwanda, she packed her bags and moved to Rwanda for one year.
Rubavu (2021-05) by MeliibeesMILELE CONTEMPORARY LAB
Gisenyi
For the duration of one year, she visited various places in Rwanda. One of her favorite spots is Gisenyi in the Rubavu district in the Western Province, where she took analog photographs of the landscape. A place that borders Goma in The Democratic Republic of Congo.
People in Gisenyi
Apart from the breathtaking landscapes in Gisenyi, Meliibees was also fascinated by the people. Tourists, locals all in a relaxed mood. The person in this image was enjoying their breakfast while dancing to reggae tunes.
Rubavu (2021-05) by MeliibeesMILELE CONTEMPORARY LAB
Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu is one of the African Great Lakes on the border of Rwanda and DRC. Gisenyi is mostly known for being one of the settlement of this great lake. Lake Kivu is the largest local source of fish in Rwanda.
Nature and landscapes in Gisenyi, Rubavu district.
Rubavu (2021-05) by MeliibeesMILELE CONTEMPORARY LAB
Bus station
With a 3-hour drive from capital Kigali by public transport, Meliibees recommends visting Gisenyi while being in Rwanda to see more of the country's beauty.
Meliibees from Kuuru Art Space
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.