ONCE again, Innocent Nkurunziza, a 24-year-old Rwandan artist, brought together Kigali’s art fans in his recently launched solo painting exhibition dubbed, ‘The Artist’s menu’.

Several art fans, including diplomats, expats, as well as the media, gathered at Heaven Restaurant, in Kiyovu, on November 14, 2010, to observe the unique hand paintings by the young Rwandan artist.

According to Nkurunziza, ‘The Artist’s Menu’ is a range of artwork that includes paintings and mixed media from roots, wood, metal wires and collage on board.

"Rwanda does not have enough variety of art materials compared to other countries. And, as a visual artist, it’s my responsibility to utilize the limited resources we have, while at the same time valuing and respecting our environment,” Nkurunziza said.

Nkurunziza is an abstract impressionist painter, who has been working with Ivuka Arts since 2007.

"I get my painting and mixed media inspirations from experiments, experience, visions, people, love, happiness, hope and all the things that I associate with life,” Nkurunziza said.

The young artist has come a long way in his painting career and has already held four solo exhibitions in the country namely; ‘My Beginnings’ at Torero Café in 2008, ‘The Growth’ at Keza Jewelry store in 2009, ‘Dynamics’ at Kigali International Airport early this year, and the ongoing ‘The Artist’s Menu’ at Heaven Restaurant.

Apart from painting, Nkurunziza works as a full time jewelry designer and teacher. He teaches a group of women in Kacyiru and Nyarutarama in Gasabo District on how to make handmade jewelry under the ‘Nziza Jewelry Rwanda’—a project that he initiated in 2009, as a way of economically empowering women in his community.

‘The Artist’s Menu’ exhibition will last for two weeks, untill November 25, 2010. The admirable paintings are selling like hot cakes.

Nkurunziza noted: "The menu is available for all; please join the feast and share with me the fruits of a great harvester.”

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