A local art curation house, Impundu Arts Center plans to hold the “Side by Side” group exhibition from February 3 to 18. The purpose of the exhibition is to give women artists a platform and increase their awareness in the art world. The two-week-long aer display will be held at Niyo Arts Center located in Kacyiru in Kigali the capital city of Rwanda.
Since its founding in 2022 by Kakizi Jemima Akimanizanye, the Impundu Arts Center has played a significant role in supporting female artists by organizing solo and group exhibitions that enable the public display of their creations.
The lack of strong female role models in Rwanda at the time of the center’s founding motivated them to establish a forum where young women may gain knowledge from and be motivated by the accomplishments of their creative peers.
Under the curatorship of Jemima Kakizi, eight female artists from six East African nations—Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Ethiopia—will be featured in the exhibition.
Kanyange Louise from Rwanda, Nadia Wamunyu from Kenya, N. J. Solana from Burundi, Tsega Zewde Rago from Ethiopia, Doreen Mueni from Kenya, Lincka Lydie from Rwanda, Happy Robert from Tanzania, and Florence Nanteza from Uganda are among the featured musicians.
“The goal of the Side by Side art exhibition is to honor diversity, harmony, and the group power that results from common experiences,” curator Kakizi stated to The New Times on Monday, January 22. Kakizi claims that entry to the show is free and presents visitors with a special chance to grow.
“Visitors can explore new perspectives, delve into diverse cultures through the showcased African arts, and connect with the rich history and compelling narratives embedded in African art,” she said.
Kakizi stressed that taking part in the show is a chance to support and recognize the efforts of accomplished artists, especially women who have long experienced underrepresentation.
“The exhibition will be a platform to acquire knowledge, explore fresh perspectives, and demonstrate backing for African arts and the creative minds shaping them, see you all in February,” she said.
Kakizi is well known for her creative approach to using art to address social issues. According to Creative Action Institute, a non-profit that promotes community-driven solutions that advance gender equality and climate justice globally, Akimanizanye’s creative work focuses on exploring taboo subjects and social issues within her community, such as women’s empowerment, teenage pregnancy, gender-based violence, environmental protection, and mental health. Oil paintings of abstract portraits featuring women at the center are the focus of Akimanizanye’s artistic creations.