As a child, Theoneste Kubwayo loved art, noting that it started around primary four. His love was further enthused by his brother, Joshua Biseruka, a professional artist at the time.
After winning a drawing competition in 2012, Kubwayo says his talent was recognised and encouraged by many, which pushed him to join Ecole d’Art de Nyundo in 2014 to nurture his talent further.
Following his brother’s footsteps, Kubwayo started art as a career in 2018 with the aim to make everyone recognise the beauty of art, and share his talent with others.
Kubwayo, now 26 years old, is a multidisciplinary artist (one who has a wide knowledge-base that is deeply invested in a range of materials, how those materials are used together, and the processes inherent to those materials) doing painting, sculpture and interior and exterior decor.
"I love art, it helps me deliver a certain message without explaining my thoughts. Art helps me to express myself and express my emotions to others. Besides that, art is like therapy to me,” he says.
Some of the artwork he does for schools.
During a workshop organised by IPRC Kitabi in collaboration with NEP KORA WIGIRE and Nyamasheke District where he works now, Kubwayo trained 30 students in art so far, something he considers his biggest achievement.
Asked about the main message behind his art, he says that his work is based on spreading peace and enhancing love in society.
"My work revolves around good behaviour of young people and children. I want to spread love and peace in the community. I want to teach people that everyone needs support and we all live for others. I also focus on the beauty of our country Rwanda and promote its culture,” he says.
The artist is also fascinated by wildlife. "I really love animals and nature, when I have a great idea to work on, I do my best to bring it out in paint,” he adds.
Art and teaching aids
Having visited nursery schools in his neighbourhood, Kubwayo says he was shocked by how children learn things they cannot see, and how their classes are not artistically decorated. This gave him the idea to decorate nursery schools around him, and to reach other nursery schools, particularly in rural areas.
"Decoration helps to create a good-looking space, create a comfortable and stimulating atmosphere for kids, and prevent safety hazards. A decorated class is like a home-like environment with visual appeal that puts kids’ minds at ease, and organises them for a day of learning and fun,” he says.
He says that many children in rural areas lack teaching aids and it affects their learning. He took up the initiative to craft teaching aids for neighbouring schools, and he has currently reached over 20 schools in different districts of Rwanda.
"In developed countries textbooks and other materials, like visual aids, help children learn more, and avoid distraction,” he says, adding that teaching aids are important because they create a visual and interactive experience for children.
As the kids become more engaged, they are more likely to understand the topic being taught. In addition, teaching aids assist students in learning. They are an integral component in any classroom,” he says.
Challenges and the way forward
Among his many plans, Kubwayo wants to reach other schools in the country and make his crafted teaching aids accessible to local markets. He also plans an exhibition in which he will showcase his artwork.
Kubwayo has challenges too, saying that the materials he uses are quite costly and some of them require shipping, which takes time.