Society faces of the year 2010

Jean Bosco Bakunzi, is a contemporary Rwandan artist who launch his own Uburanga Arts Studio at Rugando Street, Kimihurura. The 24-year-old painter said Uburanga—meaning the Beauty—is a one stop place that displays a variety of art collections of both local and international artists. Professionally, he worked with Ivuka Art studio in Kacyiru founded by Collin Sekajugo, before he went solo. He has ventured into several solo exhibitions, participated in 2009 Biennale EASTAFAD, an outstanding art entity that recognizes East African painters and he also has a passion to teach children creative art and crafts in different mediums. Under the ‘Imena Project’ meaning, ‘A new beginning’, he works with children at Gisimba Memorial Centre (GMC) empowering them to discover, develop and use their talent to make money. The process of unearthing his talent was a very long one that evolved through curiosity, adventure, pain, trauma, respect and love for others. Born in Nyamirambo on October 30th 1985, Bakunzi was the 2nd child raised in a family of six children. His loving mom and dad were their umbrella of protection, love and care. But this all changed in 1994. One of the reasons why he has been resilient enough to make it as a young professional painter in Rwanda. “Rwanda is a beautiful country, with beautiful people who have a beautiful culture and a beautiful future,” Bakunzi said during a 2010 interview with The New Times. As the Rwandan art industry takes a new dimension, Bakunzi emphasized that the Arts in Rwanda needs to grow and young painters need to be given space to exploit their talent. Ends