Inema Art Center on September 5 hosted ‘Happy Hour,’ an exciting celebration that showcased a vibrant blend of visual art, music, and cultural innovation.
The event brought together a diverse group of artists, poets, musicians, and DJs, creating a dynamic fusion of Rwandan contemporary art and creativity. The atmosphere was a whole vibe as attendees witnessed an inspiring mix of artistic expressions and collaborative performances.
Curated by Innocent Nkurunziza, a contemporary African artist and cultural innovator, the event aimed at connecting cultures, showcase emerging talents, and promote African art on international platforms.
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‘Happy Hour’ allowed attendees to explore stunning exhibitions while listening to vibrant music and experiencing the future of digital art through the introduction of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs).
"NFTs represent a revolutionary way to own and experience art. Through this innovative technology, you can use your phone to own digital tokens of artworks created by local artists, promoting Rwandan and African contemporary culture,” said Nkurunziza.
"While NFTs may be invisible, they offer a virtual presence and a new level of art ownership without physical possession. They elevate art into digital spaces, making it accessible and influential on a global scale.
" NFTs are not just a trend of the past; they are the future of art ownership and cultural exchange,” he added.
NFTs typically range from $1,500 ( approx Rwf 2,000,000) to $2,000( Rwf2,6 million), offering a new and accessible way to invest in and own unique digital artworks.
Nkurunziza also emphasized that this innovative space was about bringing love to art and giving back to the community through creativity and co-creation.
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Music played a central role in the exhibition, adding an upbeat and engaging atmosphere to the visual displays. Renowned deejay DJ Marnaud spoke about the unique synergy between music and visual art at the event, saying that music uplifts the spirit and creates a positive vibe, which perfectly complements the visual art.
Musician and poet 1Key Eric was also among the performers at the event, adding a sensual and poetic dimension to the experience.
1Key described his performance to connect with the audience emotionally, saying that he gave people an experience that combines poetry and music, making them feel something deeper as they explore the art around them.
"For me, art is a gateway to genuine conversations. It’s not about discussing business or formalities like at a summit, it is about connecting with people on a personal level. Here, you can ask, it is all about getting to know each other and sharing what truly resonates,” he said.
The exhibition also featured Ugandan artist Julius Katende, known for his philosophical and conceptual art. His installation at the exhibition, inspired by the human body’s nine apertures, captivated visitors with its deep symbolism.
Katende urged attendees to seize the opportunity for creativity in times of peace.
"My art delves into philosophical themes, exploring deeper meanings and societal reflections," he said.
For instance, Katende said, one of my pieces with nine holes symbolizes the distractions we face from our senses, our eyes, nostrils, mouth, ears, and other apertures.
"Each hole represents how our focus shifts, whether it’s to music, drink, or other stimuli, reflecting the challenges of maintaining concentration amidst life&039;s diversions,” he added.