Since early October, Envision Rwanda has revitalised the Covid-19 lockdown through arts, painting and photography. This initiative has an objective of creating art pieces of different themes. Located in Kimihurura sector, Gasabo District, the art gallery exhibits different artworks, including those that were crafted during the lockdown, and the rest depict the meaning of what society has been going through as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. According to Eddy Mbabazi, the founding member of ISI Art Community, which is partnering with Envision to run the art exhibition, the lockdown was a time to work, but the means of exhibiting their works were not available. “We had time but we were unable to exhibit our art pieces. So as artists, this is our time to showcase what we have been doing during the lockdown,” says Mbabazi. Visiting the art gallery, you are introduced to a room of exquisite paintings, sculptures, then to gorgeous women’s jewelry and accessories, all of which were created during the lockdown. More than 10 talented artists contributed to the exhibition, according to Peter Lee, the CEO and founder of Envision Rwanda. “Some of the art pieces are about the coronavirus and its effect on society, and reflect the internal feelings and creativity of the artists during the pandemic,” he explains, adding, “others are just sculptures that were created during the lockdown.” Some of the art pieces are about the coronavirus and its effect on society and reflect the internal feelings and creativity of the artists during the pandemic. / Photo: Craish Bahizi Annet Queen Mugabekazi, one of the young women we found at the gallery, said the initiative helped her to work with other artists and create good artworks. “This is a good example that there should be no time to waste. The lockdown has been considered as an idle time, but you can see that some young people used it productively,” she said. Envision Rwanda is a non-governmental organisation that serves as a hub for creative minds to work amongst each other, be inspired by one another, share space, resources, and knowledge to the mutual benefit of the group and to the Rwandan art scene at large.
