The Cultivating Peace exhibition, running from August 9 to August 16 at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, uses art to foster dialogue and connections aimed at promoting peace and reconciliation. Curated by the Artnauts Art Collective, known for their work in post-conflict areas, this exhibition brings together international and local artists to reflect on the importance of understanding and unity for a conflict-free future. ALSO READ: ‘Murubuto’ exhibition explores heritage, emotions and expressions The exhibition featured artworks from the Artnauts collective alongside nine Rwandan artists from the Modern Art Dynamic Space Kigali (MADS Kigali). This collaboration created a diverse display of artistic expressions, all focused on the theme of promoting peace in a world affected by conflict. Kenneth Nkusi, one of the Rwandan artists, explained, We chose art as our medium because it's what we do best. Through our work, we aim to inspire change and spark conversations, provided people are willing to listen. ALSO READ: Tying Knots: Rwandan women artists take art exhibition to Luxembourg The opening night offered a profound experience, with paintings, sculptures, photography, and crafts on display. Each piece, whether depicting past tragedies or envisioning a hopeful future, contributed to the message that peace requires active effort, understanding, and cooperation. The Rwandan artists from MADS Kigali received special recognition for their contributions. MADS Kigali, known for supporting emerging artists across the region, highlighted the importance of local voices in global discussions about peace and reconciliation. The exhibited works went beyond artistic expression to make strong statements about the need for ongoing dialogue and understanding both in Rwanda and internationally. Nkusi reflected on the experience, saying: Participating in this exhibition was significant as it allowed us to engage with our country's history and contribute to a peaceful future. The audience's engagement and turnout were promising signs of our exhibition's impact. Visitors were moved by the artworks, which conveyed powerful emotions and sparked meaningful conversations about peace. The exhibition demonstrated that peace is not just an abstract idea but a concrete goal that can be achieved through empathy, creativity, and shared experiences. Angel Uwase, an attendee, remarked, This exhibition has shown me how art can communicate complex emotions and ideas. It's not just about what we see on the canvas but the stories, histories, and hopes behind the art. Another visitor noted, The combination of international and Rwandan perspectives made this exhibition incredibly powerful. It reminds us that, despite our different backgrounds, our desire for peace is universal. Nicole Gasana, also in attendance, added, The ‘Cultivating Peace’ exhibition is a powerful reminder of how art can heal, connect, and inspire us to strive for a more peaceful future.
