His paintings bring out inner emotions

MOST people worldwide know Leonardo Da Vinci as an icon whose competency in the art world has stood the test of time. For centuries, if I may add. The Mona Lisa painting, in which he succeeds in creating sharply distinct expressions on a single human face, may be one of his most outstanding works. However, little is known about one Innocent Buregeya, a 22 year old youth who works at Uburanga Art Studio, somewhere in the outskirts of Kigali City. Yet a mere glance at any of his works would make one immediately think that in him Leonardo has a possible rival. Clad in a black short-sleeved polo t-shirt, a faded pair of denim jeans and All star moccasin shoes, Innocent’s attention is absorbed on a slim wooden piece pinned on the wall: on which he is painting, coloring, and brushing, occasionally bending to pick a different work implement. His activity goes on till he notices my presence. He ushers me into the studio and both of us take the weight off our feet on a cushioned bench. His eyes pointed to the roof, looking at nothing in particular, chin supported by hands and his feet pounding unconsciously on the floor, he starts to give me an account of his life’s journey with the composure of an 80 year old, in a blend of Kinyarwanda and fairly good English.He points out how he abandoned pursuing a career in electronics and telecommunication, a course he studied at college to get intimate with his passion; art. An immediate job offer from John Bosco Bakunzi, the founder of Uburanga Art Studio, was more than heaven sent. Going by the level of skill portrayed in some of Innocent’s works, one would be forgiven to think that he went to an upscale Art school. Somewhere in the west, perhaps. But he is just a self taught and exceptionally talented dude, who, at the age of seven, was already an amazing cartoonist. He enthuses that just like other platforms of expression: movies, music, media outlets, name them, art is just one of them because it communicates. It speaks to society about morals, culture, history, religion and so many other aspects of life. Innocent adds that Art also gives one chance to be creative, span imagination and venture into the unknown, “It gives me an opportunity to get lost into it, it is a perfect escape from the harsh realities of this world,” he notes passionately. He goes ahead to reveal how his job has earned him public recognition since more than once his studio has exhibited its works during the “culture week” on invitation by the Ministry. The proceeds from the studio have also enabled him support siblings and an aging mother.Innocent and his four partners operating the Uburanga Arts Studio are not a selfish bunch, they always find a way of giving back to the public. On most weekends they offer free tutorials on art skills to holiday making children in the neighbourhood. They have also been able to help over 25 children from financially disabled families from the locality, to access health insurance, commonly known as Mutuelle de Santé (Mituweri). His team is also involved in a cultural drive. Every Friday, at the premises, they put-up a dinner dubbed “Uburanga Evening”, where local brew and other traditional drinks are served and local residents, government and NGO officials are invited to get involved in what he calls “cultural talk”.However, just like any other trade, Buregeya’s, too, has met with some hurdles. He notes that their target market is confined, since the love for art among Rwandans is not yet cultivated. They are left with an alternative of relying on expatriates and tourists for clients whose presence in the country is also seasonal. Innocent also cites inadequate supply of Art work implements in the country and therefore import them from Uganda and Kenya. He also decries the lack of a modern national art gallery where artists from all parts of the country can meet and showcase their creations. His only wish is that the ministry of education includes Fine Art on the national curriculum, if the country will ever fully benefit from its potential. He is disappointed that so far only one school in the country offers fine art.So are you an art geek? Drop by their premise in Kimihurura, Rugando street and buy yourself one of those prized creations, they deal in paintings, sculptures, wood cuts, decorative arts and printmaking, prices range from 500 to 1000 US dollars.

Lifestyle

His paintings bring out inner emotions