At just 19, Rwandan sculptor and visual artist Mugisha Josue is already making his mark in the local art scene with his distinctive approach to art as witnessed during his debut exhibition "La Corrida.”
The exhibition, running from October 31 through November 3 at Envision Gallery, combines innovation, tradition and social reflection, revealing his deep dedication to both his craft and the messages he conveys through it.
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The exhibition showcases a thorough sense of creativity that drives Mugisha and offers various sculptures and drawings that urge viewers to look beyond surface aesthetics and consider the complex layers of modern life.
Its title, "La Corrida”, is the Spanish word which translates to "The Bullfight”. It is a deliberate nod to the iconic Spanish sport. However, Mugisha’s take diverges from the traditional spectacle.
"People are often scared to confront struggles, preferring to sit back and observe from a distance, much like spectators at a bullfight,” explains the 2023 Nyundo School of Arts graduate.
Mugisha’s art aims to change viewers’ perspectives, especially complacency, encouraging them to engage and take an active role in the struggles around them, whether personal or societal.
Inspired by Italian renaissance great, Michelangelo, Mugisha’s choice of Nyundo School of Art reflects a dedication to mastering his craft. With an A2 degree in sculpture, he works primarily with recycled and upcycled materials, such as metals, wood, and plastics, combining sustainability with artistic innovation.
The exhibition features pieces that explore life, identity, and societal norms. Among the sculptures are works such as "Ingendo y’Abeza” (The best footstepper), "Stuck In the Middle”, "Self-guardian”, "Kanyarwanda in Modern Times”, "Wrong Timer”, "Clash of Mind” and more.
Each piece of art is deeply connected with a particular theme, urging viewers to reflect on their own experiences and roles within society.
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He randomly elaborates on some of these pieces, providing a glimpse into his creative process and the messages he hopes to convey.
Kanyarwanda in Modern Times: It mixes traditional Rwandan elements with modern symbols, spotting out the complexity of identity in a rapidly changing world. It portrays a Rwandan man with a tattoo on his face, very impressive however, he remained shaved traditional hairstyle (Amasunzu).
"We’re grappling with globalisation, and many things can lead us astray. This piece reminds us that, no matter what comes our way, we shouldn’t change our identity. We should uphold our beautiful culture and customs. Kanyarwanda remains Kanyarwanda,” he explains.
Ingendo y’Abeza: This sculpture shows resilience and progress, symbolising those who forge their own paths and inspire others to follow. He opted to use metal elements in this piece to convey strength and determination.
"We should strive to leave the best legacy, even after we’re gone. Our footprint should set an example for others to follow, a truly indelible mark.”
Self-guardian: This artwork speaks to personal responsibility and self-care, portraying an individual who takes control of their own destiny, heart and mental health.
"Everyone can be their own guardian, without relying on others&039; choices. We can build a strong sense of self-critique so that no one can shake us. In the end, this is how we live our best life,” Mugissha says.
Clash of Mind: This thought-provoking work explains internal conflicts the entire society faces. Through abstract forms, it represents the struggles within an old man’s mind, reflecting the tension between different aspects of generational identities and aspirations.
"It portrays an old man battling an unusually large spider, symbolising his wealth of experience. He is able to navigate a variety of thoughts, both good and bad, while striving to maintain a positive outlook on life.”
Alongside Mugisha’s works are pieces crafted by Jolie Gisubizo Soleil, a visual artist whose compositions mixing with poems added a complementary layer to the exhibition.
Gisubizo’s pieces capture human emotions and interactions, offering a vivid exploration of the beauty and challenges of human connection.
She has created artworks like "Motherhood”, a portrait of a mother carrying twins in her womb. It symbolises mothers' perspectives toward their children. It also reflects how mothers, despite the pain of childbirth, often forget the hardships, showing their resilience and strength.
Another piece, "Mfata Nkufate, Mfasha Nkufashe”, calls for collaboration, especially in today’s competitive world, where many people focus solely on their own needs, forgetting to support others. Gisubizo suggests that, if everyone prioritized companionship and cooperation, it would be invaluable.
On her view of art and gender participation, she observes that women are often more involved in the arts when they are younger. However, as they take on family responsibilities, they tend to shift focus to activities that offer financial stability, even if these do not bring them joy.
This shift, she explains, is why fewer women are engaged in demanding art forms, which require both time and dedication.