Meet Ivuka Arts Founder: Collin Sekajugo
After traveling to more than 15 countries on the African continent as Rwanda’s representative for artistic study tours, exhibitions, and international workshops, I felt the need to turn my creativity, skills, and inspiration toward a more extensive project: one that would nurture the talent of Rwanda’s young artists, and launch Rwandan contemporary art to global heights. Thus, Ivuka Arts Kigali was born.
Origins
Ivuka, the Kinyarwandan word for birth, also evokes the companion idea of rebirth. And indeed, Rwandan contemporary art demands nothing less at this critical moment in history.
A little over a decade ago, during the terrible days that befell the Land of A Thousand Hills, the world witnessed the passing of what may have been today’s Rwandan Masters. Rwanda’s only major art school, L’Ecole d’Art du Rwanda, was destroyed, along with countless works of art that defined the country’s contemporary cultural heritage.
With this single blow, the very institution that was to ensure the vitality of Rwandan art throughout the continent and the world was snuffed out. And today, Rwandan contemporary art is practically unknown by the international community.
But though the body was destroyed, the soul refused to die. The school’s legacy, albeit diminished, continues to live on in some of its lesser-known apprentices, namely Epa Binamungu, Karangwa (R.I.P.), Pascal Bushaija, Félicien Bigira, and Jean d’Amour Nsengimana, Laurent Hategekimana. Even the though Epa Binamungu has made a long stride in the last couple of years by establishing Ingazo Art Gallery located in Kigali, most art work by the forementioned people is no where to be seen.
The fact remains that it is exceptionally difficult for Rwandan artists to find success without the support of an institution that can hone their skills and provide a platform for their exposure. Clearly, then, the time has come for a new body to be raised up to take on this challenge.
My vision is that Ivuka Arts Kigali will become the next generation of hands and feet that will blaze the trail for an authentic Rwandan Renaissance in our day. Join us in making this dream a reality!
Collin Sekajugo
Founder & Director, Ivuka Arts Kigali