Epa Binamungu needs no introduction on the contemporary Rwandan visual arts scene. After more than four decades as a painter, he is considered a grandfather in local visual art circles.

Binamungu is the founder of the popular Inganzo Art Gallery in Masaka Sector, Kicukiro district in the City of Kigali.

Come Saturday December 17, Binamungu will officially open the gallery to the public in an exhibition dubbed A Journey of 365 Days.

The gallery moved to its present location about two years ago, after more than a decade at its first location –the Kigali Business Center (popularly known as KBC, in Kimihurura).

Binamungu explained that for the exhibition, he is working with 23 local visual artists who together will showcase 365 art pieces to reflect the number of days in a year. Gates open at 10:00am and the exhibition will run till 8:00 pm.

He further explained that, as a veteran visual artist, it is his duty to work with younger artists and guide and nurture them in whatever way that he can.

"Personally I’m close to all artists in Rwanda, be it young or old. Working with other artists inspires me a lot, which is why I take it as a responsibility to share with them my experience,” he revealed.

Binamungu also revealed that his intention is to make the gallery a space for all artistes to express their creative energy and mull over the future of the Rwandan visual arts sector.

The artist was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, from where he discovered his knack for drawing at the tender age of eight, and where he held his first ever exhibition in 1973.

Over the last 35 years, he has also been an antique art collector, and will be showcasing for the first time some of the gems in his collection.

About the 365 days exhibition, he asks; "When you see the number 365 what comes to your mind?”

"I invited all visual artists for this day and each of them will make a small painting, and we will have a total of 365 paintings. Each painting will represent a date on the calendar. The artists will also bring their other art works to exhibit and to sell,” he explained.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw