BENOIT IMENA is a proficient and unrivaled artist who would make you believe that without art, the world would be a boring place to be. In addition to painting, realistic pencil drawing and design, the 19-year-old’s other craft is in making paper guns that are used in movies. With his left hand, he sketches out anything his mind lands on, for instance; people, landscape, walls, nature or anything his clients want, and with a mixture of diverse colors, the outcome is amazing. Imena’s love for making guns started at a tender age. He was passionate about toy guns that his parents gifted him with some on special occasions. Like any inquisitive child, he sought means of how such guns are made. He checked out YouTube tutorials and before long, he had started making guns out of cardboards. Some of his ‘guns’ have been used in local movies such as; “Killerman series”, “Major series”, “Pattyno comedy” and “Mistustu na boss” and featured in a music video titled, “Game Zanjye” by Fizzo Mason, among others in production. The youngster shared that it takes him about two to three days to complete one gun, depending on the type and size and each of his guns goes for Rwf 15,000. When it comes to painting, some portraits take him about two days and others such as landscapes, about four days to perfect. This is because they are complicated and require more creativity. He also recalls starting to draw as early as the age of 10. One time while in Primary level, a teacher asked students in his class to draw a car, but was mesmerized at what Imena had drawn. It was so perfect that he was awarded with a prize. In 2017 he sold his first artwork and that pushed him to do better. It was also the same year that he attended a school competition where he made an AKA-47 paper gun that left people turning heads in awe of his talent that he won the competition. paper guns. On joining Ecole d’art De Nyundo, he was exposed to real art as he learned new techniques that helped him polish his talent. He was equipped with skills in drawing, painting, decorating, design and so forth. He has so far started to enjoy the fruits of his work. He earns money out of it and he has grown his network too. According to the artist, it’s those little steps that keep him moving forward. He is anticipating that his talent will be recognized not only in Rwanda but also beyond. He wants to be among the artists that are invited to attend different art exhibitions and he is looking forward to building an art gallery to showcase all his artwork and teach youngsters talented in art how to draw and paint. Imena also wishes to work with promoters to not only promote his art but also other Rwandan artists’ locally and internationally, not underestimating the power of social media as well. But rather use it to share the immense Rwandan talents. “My wish is to see that my guns are used in many movies and music videos in and outside Rwanda and I am optimistic that this will come to pass,” he says. Besides the costly materials, Imena says that some of them are not easily accessed. But also, he was dismayed that he doesn’t have any art galleries to display his artwork yet.
