The exhibition Metamorphosis recently opened in Rwanda.

At Ivuka Arts Centre in Kacyiru, Kigali, Metamorphosis is a joint exhibition, which ran from November 14 to 28. Four Rwandan artists displayed paintings and murals, which occupied two rooms of Ivuka gallery as well as the outside.

The artists are members of Kurema, Kureba, Kwiga, (to create, to see, to learn),a collaborative project initiated last year in support of public art in the country.

Shadrack Kayiranga’s work on canvas stands out as the artist brings alcohol addiction to light.

No Exceptions, a semi-abstract painting, is of many of hands with varying skin complexions, each holding a bottle, implying that alcohol knows no race.

Support, a 49cm by 79 cm mixed-media semi-abstract piece, details how the battle requires friends to stand with an addict. “I’m cautious about the message my works pass on,” said the 31-year-old artist who joined Ivuka Arts Centre four years ago. 

Jean Batiste Rukundo displays six acrylic paintings titled Ibisangiye Imizi, Birumana (Those that share roots, dry together).

He uses bright colours and mixed media, using materials from Ikitenge pieces, wire mesh and wires. Rukundo uses curvy frames, on which he applies a layer of varnish.

Also featuring at the exhibition is Ku Irigara, a collaborative piece by Rukundo and Kayiranga. It was built by Rukundo from recycling wire, polythene, plastic glass and glue, and Kayiranga then painted on top of it.

Isaac Umuhire’s works focus on African pastimes. The artist displays his paintings in pairs, as he works in series.  Karere, a 60cm by 50cm acrylic painting, is of children playing with a handmade ball.  Bonifils Ngabonziza’s Sky High is of a butterfly, planted on the gallery’s concrete floor.