ELIE HATANGIMANA is a multidisciplinary visual artist who does painting, sculpting, and interior designs. His artworks talk about different African cultures through telling African stories and their daily life stories. His art is based in conservation arts which is a style based on wild animals and nature. The artist also does contemporary art style. The 22 year-old, also known as Hat-Elie on his Instagram page and a signature he uses on his artworks, started his artistic journey in 2016 when he joined Ecole d’Art de Nyundo, which he said was the foundation in what he is doing today. Growing up, Hatangimana said he used to spend most of his time watching his two big brothers’ drawings. The artist engaged in the artistic world inspired by the love of arts and the passion he has for taking Rwandan arts to the next level. “For me, art is a way of expression, especially a way to express my feelings and tell a story. I used to travel a lot when I was pursuing my studies in Uganda, visiting different places I realised how their art is way more developed. It inspired me to join the creative art industry,’’ he says. The artist highlighted that most of his sculpture artworks are sculptured into wood and ceramics made in cement which he says he tries to make in his unique and new style. Most of his artworks are displayed at Virunga Inn Resort art gallery, Crema outdoor art gallery and also at Red Rocks initiative and Cultural Art gallery. Hatangimana says his primary mission is to contribute to the development of the Rwandan creative arts industry. “I want to take Rwandan art to the next level, my goal is to see the impact of the art I am doing to the local community and worldwide,’’ he noted. Currently the artist has contributed to different art exhibitions including Red Rocks Cultural Fest in 2021, Kwita Izina ceremony in 2019, and Imfura Heritage Peace Art Exhibition in 2021. He says he had a great experience by sharing an exhibition hall with other artists. “I met my fellow painters, sculptors, and we shared our journey. We discussed the future and the development of the creative art industry and more. I also learned the importance of making meaningful artworks with great messages, it was a great experience, ‘’ he says. When it comes to art Hatangimana doesn’t limit himself, he also teaches children in his neighborhood giving them free art sessions to kids who are interested in art. “I wanted to make my artistic talent useful and make an impact on the local community. I started with eight children. They really enjoy art and doing different crafts. I love how kids learn easily and I did this as a way to give them a chance to explore their talents,’’ Hatangimana says. One of his challenges however, while doing his crafts is the shortage of fabrics and many people who are not yet aware of the value of arts, mostly his artworks. “It is hard to find some of the fabrics that I need. I sometimes change my mind on what I’ve already decided to do and that’s my biggest challenge. Another thing is many people do not value the arts but this is getting better as compared to the past, he said. When asked about his future plans, the artist revealed that he wants to take his art to the international level.
