Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi: Traces of the Past, Signs of the Future
Contemporary Artists from Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi
Where We Belong (2014)
by Anwar Sadat Nikibinge
Uganda, for example, is in many ways still the ancient indigenous kingdom of the west coastal region of Lake Victoria, bisected in the south by the line of the equator.
Building the Society (2014)
by William Ngendandumwe
The Thinker (2014)
by Bernard Bigendako
The territory was traversed by Arab traders, from Zanzibar and the east coast in search of slaves and ivory, by great explorers such as H.M. Stanley, by French Catholic and Anglican missionaries, bitter rivals in the race to convert the indigenous peoples.
Girl with Basket (2014) by Clovis Mwilambwe Ngoy
But today, the winds of the future are moving through the plateaus, rivers and great forests. With growth forecasts above 6% and an acceleration in double digits starting from 2017 (when oil extraction is expected to begin), Uganda is proving to be one of the fastest growing economies in the entire African continent. In fact, the 2012 United Nations Human Development Report puts it in sixth place, among the fastest growing economies in the world, thanks to its ability to attract foreign direct investment, its diversification of exports (with coffee the leading item, followed by tea, cotton, copper, oil and fish) and its great potential, especially in agri-business.
Lonely Bird (2014)
by Saad Lukwago
After the African Guencia (2014)
by Diana Musoni
Rwanda, in turn, is no ordinary country: there are traces of its painful past – in just 100 days, twenty years ago, the country underwent the most appalling genocide since the Holocaust – but also a very clear and determined vision of the future.
Village Service (2014)
by Egide Kubwimana
The tragedy they experienced drives Rwandans to avenge history. Having missed out on the first two industrial revolutions, they are entering the third with frenetic energy, in the knowledge that, with no outlet to the sea, becoming a technological hub is a possible route to growth. Suffice it to say that by 2016 4G, the most advanced cell phone technology, will be available throughout the country.
Resting Calf (2014)
by Juma Ahimbisibwe
The Bride (2014) by Edward Waddimba
So, even though social evolution is slower than technological advancement, Rwanda is beginning to make gains that a few years ago would have been hard to imagine. The country is at peace, women hold the majority of political and administrative roles, 95 per cent of the population has medical insurance, at least a million people have been lifted out of poverty, the independent statistic research company Gallup has named it one of the safest countries in the world.
The Heroes of Burundi (2014)
by Emmanuel Ndayizeye
Landlocked Burundi, as in the past, is focusing on agriculture – coffee, in particular high quality “Arabica Doux”, is the main generator of export earnings – but the discovery in Musongati of nickel deposits (estimated at 6% of world reserves) could change the situation in the short term and accelerate development.
Happiness (2014)
by Epa Binamungu
Its history and natural beauty can also help Burundi move towards the future. The country has plentiful nature reserves and beautiful, high quality tourist attractions that are still little known internationally. The Rusizi, for example, is one of the country’s national parks, where the marshy environment creates the perfect habitat for hippos, antelope and many species of aquatic birds.
Beauty (2014)
by John Sekubuluwa
The artistic journey of Imago Mundi in Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi testifies to this profound interweaving of history and time. The 211, 10 x 12cm artworks make the case for rights and equality – for a democratic and shared future – but at the same time reveal the face of a world yet to be explored. With their forms and colours, they
give us a synthesis of contemporary emotions and ancestral sensations.
The Crush (2014)
by Jude Kasagga
The artists, who have grown up in the all-encompassing, fiery light of the African sunset, bring us, between the figurative and the abstract, daily life in the villages and small communities, landscapes, scenes of communal celebration, women and men moving in the powerful light, richly coloured animals. They give us the Africa of today, a metaphor of history, hope for life and the future.
Luciano Benetton
Bad Fruit Love (2014)
by Papolin Mashimango
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.