The glistening skin in Benjamin Niyomugabo figurative paintings rejoices into a joyful chorus. The artist muses beauty and light in a wonderfully pleasant rhythm. Gone is the turmoil of Rwanda's political history. For there is no mention of any civil war or genocide here. The country has shed its past and it's clear from the artist that the focus should be on the present. As a result, we see the Rwanda people at their best brought to life as if kissed by the sun to a heavenly glow. Take for instance, Maziyateke, a portrait of a young Rwandan woman who sits poised and confidently stares directly at the viewer. Her gaze is gentle, persistent but not confrontational. Benjamin Niyomugabo never forgets to exude the feminine essence in this painting. The golden head wrap is a testament to the beauty and natural glow of the subject we are witnessing. Together with the floral background and pink chemise we see a perfect blend of colours that allow her true emotions to filter through. Benjamin Niyomugabo's figures pride themselves on their identity and culture. Never shy, they revel in a sort of tapestry of richness. There's nothing holding back the artist from showing us how important it is to present them in a positive image. They are painted with sincerity and strength. His technique is traditional and we see the influence of Old Masters. And it is here that his talent is simply immeasurable.
Maziyateke
1. Can you tell us about your childhood in Rwanda? What was it like growing up there?
I was born in Kigali, but my mother sent me to her village in Ngororero district to live with my grandmother for three years. I was fascinated by traditional crafts, especially how people made pots and painted their walls using timber charcoal, clay, and white soil from the mountains. Living there, I saw how people were happy and cared for one another. These early experiences shaped how I see the world and continue to influence my art.
2 Bigrimana II
2. How did your interest in art begin?
My interest in art began through observing the people and daily life around me. I loved seeing how they created, painted, and expressed themselves. This curiosity inspired me to capture these moments and emotions in my own artistic work.
3. How do you make your art? Can you explain your technique?
I work with textures and layers, and my technique is influenced by contemporary realism, similar to the approach of John Singer Sargent. I focus on capturing fine details, realistic skin tones, and the beauty of my subjects.
4. What do you want people to understand when they see your work?
I want viewers to experience what I have seen and loved in the world. My work reflects my observations of life, human connections, and the beauty around me, translated through my personal vision and creativity.
5. What do you enjoy most about making art?
I enjoy bringing details to life, capturing skin tones, and expressing beauty and emotion through my paintings. The process of transforming an idea into a visual reality is what I find most rewarding.
6. Has Rwanda’s politics affected your art? How?
The stability and growth in Rwanda have allowed me to focus on exploring culture, identity, and human emotion in my work. Experiencing life in this environment has inspired me to see and capture different aspects of society in my art.
7. Where do you see your art going in the future?
I am continuously evolving and exploring new directions in my work. While I do not have a fixed destination, my goal is to keep growing as an artist and refining my personal vision.
8. What is the art scene like in Rwanda?
The art scene in Rwanda is vibrant and full of life, reflecting the mountains, markets, farms, dances, family gatherings, and the beauty of the people. There is a strong sense of culture and community, which inspires artists and audiences alike.
The most challenging part is generating new ideas and overcoming the initial hesitation of putting the first brushstroke on the canvas.
10. Who are your favorite writers or authors?
I enjoy authors who explore human experience, emotion, and the complexities of life. Some of my favorites include Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Gabriel García Márquez, Haruki Murakami, and Toni Morrison. Their storytelling and ability to capture culture, identity, and emotion deeply inspire me.
11. Which artists have influenced you the most?
John Singer Sargent, Peter Paul Rubens, Leonardo da Vinci, Paul Gauguin, and Vincent van Gogh have all influenced my style and approach to capturing human emotion and beauty in my work.
I enjoy listening to music, going outside, watching football, and spending time observing life around me, which often inspires my art.
