He survived the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi but the ordeal left him paralyzed and unable to talk. But Gilbert Hategikimana has defied all odds to live on and inspire other people’s dreams through painting.  Painting has been his inspiration and way of expression over the last decade.

The native of Gasabo District has transformed into a self-taught artist who is helping young children to hone their art talent.  His focus is on pet portraits, where  he puts his own spin on the paintings using a combination of reality and impressionism.

The 30-year-old and, a married father of two was destined for this calling.

 While at Kimihurura Primary School, Hategikimana was the teachers’ favourite because of his love for painting. "I was always selected by teachers to guide others in painting and mixing colours. Though I had limited skills then, my dream to become a painter was always far ahead, visualising myself as a great artist and art master someday,” explains Hategikimana.

Few years after regaining his ability to talk, walk and handle other everyday activities, Hategikimana’s sincere wish was to link up with a professional artist, who would help him learn extra skills, mainly in mixing colours.

"Eventually, a friend of mine called Anitha Asiimwe, whom I also consider as my parent, connected me to Pascal Busheija, an experienced painter.

However, paying Rwf40, 000 as monthly fees at Busheija’s art studio was very expensive for him. He had to use all the creativity to master everything in the shortest period possible. With a lot of enthusiasm and commitment, within three months, Hategikimana was ready to juggle the world on his own.

Well, as they say, nothing is impossible to a willing heart. At the age of 23, Hategikima sold his first master piece to a Canadian national at $50 and that was the beginning of his career.

Unlike most painters, Hategikimana’s aim is to share his knowledge, skills and passion for art with young people.

"Though I mastered painting at the age of 23, my dream had started when I was a kid, but I had no opportunity to engage in real painting then. My objective is to teach young children with the same passion,” he explains.

"It is amazing how children can display their talents when they are guided in what they are passionate about,” Hategikimana happily points out.

Umuco Mwiza Primary School is one of the few schools where Hategikimana is honing skills of talented children.  The school promotes art as an essential extracurricular activity. Though, it wasn’t easy for the school in the beginning.

"We used to take the pupils to Uburanga arts studio in Kimihurura for art lessons and surely it wasn’t easy. But, ever since we linked up with Hategikimana, the journey has been simple and adventurous for the children,” says Charles Sinamenye, the headmaster of Umuco Mwiza Primary School. 

"Hategikimana has laid a firm foundation for our children with passion in painting and the journey is promising,” he adds.

Mukashema, a parent of one of Hategikimana’s art students, talks about her daughter’s extra skill with happiness and pride. "We all send our kids to study at school but it is always a pleasure when we see our children getting more skills and knowledge besides their academics. It is a symbol of pride in our own children.”

It is a great experience and inspiring to see Hategikimana’s art students doing what they love doing—drawing and painting; looking at their paintings, you realise the fruits of passion when combined with creativity and innovation. 

Just like Wolfgang Puck, Hategikimana also believes that painting is like cooking or writing a song. Just as there are only so many notes or colours, there are only so many flavours - it’s how you combine them that sets you apart.

However, the journey is not always simple, no matter how Hategikimana’s creativity and innovation rises; his passion is hindered by the lack of human and financial resources. He is looking for corporate sponsorship and market for paintings.

When it comes to uniqueness, Hategikimana says his innovation has set him apart from other painters in the country. "My materials make the painting look fabulous and irresistible to the art lovers,” he says

"I always tell my students that passion comes first. Painting is self-discovery. Every good artist paints what he is,” Hategikimana proudly says.