Rwandan Fine Art: JEAN BOSCO BAKUNZI BIOGRAPHY.

JEAN BOSCO BAKUNZI BIOGRAPHY

“I see painting as a special medium that allows me to explore my ideas, creativity, and emotions. When I am producing art, I feel free with my style, and I am empowered to enjoy the movement of my tools. In choosing my subjects, I find inspiration in nature, my surroundings and everyday life…”

Bakunzi

I was born in 1985 in Kigali, Rwanda. While I have been an artist my entire life, I have been creating art professionally since 2005. I am influenced by many artists; however, I am a self-taught artist.

As I have grown in my career, my work has become semi-abstract, and I sometimes show surrealist expressions. I often use a comb to create textures within my paintings. The comb helps me create fluidity and movement, allowing me to fully express my feelings in my work. Throughout my career, I have been motivated by the belief that “art has the power to heal people physically, mentally, and emotionally.”

With this belief in mind, I founded Rwanda’s leading art centre, “Uburanga Arts Studio” in March 2010. This studio brings together the most skilled and talented artists from all over the country with the goal of developing Rwanda’s fine art scene.

I donate my time teaching arts and crafts to orphans and vulnerable children. I have also spent time working and volunteering at Rwandan orphanages and hospitals painting bright and playful murals that have been sponsored by both private individuals and NGOs.

Organizer of Youth Football For Peace Tournament in Rwanda; with a goal of promoting Peace and Reconciliation and encourage children to take care of their skills. This Tournament happens every year since 2011 in Kigali-Rwanda.

EXHIBITIONS

SOLO:

2012

The Sparkling Waves (umuhengeri) at Culturhaus Niederanven; Luxembourg.
Life and Challenges at B.A.N.D (Black artists network’s in Dialogue) Toronto, ON; Canada

2011

Strength mixed media art exhibition at Uburanga Arts Studio
Thousand Hills at Banana Hill Art Gallery, Nairobi, Kenya

2009

The Feelings at Kigali International Airport, Kigali, Rwanda
My Dream, at Heaven Kigali, Rwanda

GROUP

2012

Rwanda meets Rheinhessen (Ruanda trifft Rhernhessen) at Kaiserbad Gallery in westhofen, Reineland-Palatinate, Germany.
Hello East Africa at Inganzo Art Gallery; Kigali, Rwanda.

2011

Uburanga Art Exhibit at United States Embassy, Kigali, Rwanda

2010

Creative for Change: A benefit art exhibition for Rwandan Street children at Hallway Gallery, USA
Rwanda Goes East Africa at Goethe Institute, Kigali, Rwanda
Ivuka Arts Studio at United States Embassy, Kigali, Rwanda
Uburanga Arts Studio Launching Exhibition at Uburanga Arts Studio, Kimihurura, Kigali, Rwanda

2009

Jazz Band for Peace: Celebrating Rwanda Commitment for Ending Violence against Women and Children at Serena Hotel, Kigali, Rwanda.
East Africa Biennale (EASTFAB) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

PUBLICATIONS