South African painter promotes art in Rwanda

Ivuka Art Studio yesterday opened a two day art exhibition at the Heaven Restaurant in Kiyovu, Kigali. The exhibition, which seeks to promote painting in Rwanda, features the works of a visiting artist Janet Wilson from Johannesburg, South Africa. Speaking to Sunday Times yesterday, Wilson explained that local people tend to be more interested in crafts, and she hopes that exhibiting paintings will encourage people to take interest in the craft. “Rwandans have a good understanding of local crafts; paintings can help to compliment that kind of art,” said Wilson. She explained that visiting artists are important for local and visiting artists as they are able to learn from each other. “Since there is no art school in the country, it is very important to have visiting artists and this can help people to learn different ways of painting,” said Wilson. The paintings are priced between $200 (Frw108,000) and $400 (Frw216,000) and proceeds will go to Team Rwanda, the national cycling team. Wilson, whose paintings capture Kigali life, has been working in Ivuka Art Studio since January. Ends