JEAN BOSCO BAKUNZI 1985 Rwandan Artist Painting Rwanda’s Future – The Healing Power of Art

JEAN BOSCO BAKUNZI

 As a survivor, and orphan, of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, Jean Bosco Bakunzi has been seeking to overcome his trauma and hatred for the people involved in his family’s killings, channeling frustration through art. As a young boy, he would experiment with pastels, crayons and the like for hours and hours after school, painting his emotions without any form of guidance. Over the years, as he continued painting, Bakunzi’s reputation grew. His beautiful paintings became known for their semi abstract nature, fluidity, unique textures, bright colors, and their themes which explore traditional Rwandan culture. Bakunzi also founded the Uburanga Art Studio which aims to use art as a healing tool.

 

The Human Face. Acrylic on canvas(40"x76")

“I see painting as a special medium that allows me to explore my ideas, creativity, and emotions. When I am producing art, I feel free with my style, and I am empowered to enjoy the movement of my tools. In choosing my subjects, I find inspiration in nature, my surroundings and everyday life…”

The World As We See It. Acrylic on canvas(36"x50")

 

 Elegancy. Acrylic on canvas(24"x32")

 

 Immigration. Acrylic on canvas(24"x32")

 

Cerebration. Oil on canvas
(12"x24")

 

 A Maremade Close To The Red Mountains. Acrylic on canvas
(24"x32")

 

Emotions. Acryilic on canvas(36"x40")
  

The Sparkling Waves. Acrylic on canvas.
(26"36")

 

The foundation
Acrylic on canvas: 90 x 75 cm  

A full glass of red wine
Acrylic on canvas

My Blue by Jean Bosco Bakunzi

 

 Across the River by Jean Bosco Bakunzi

 

 Street Market by Jean Bosco Bakunzi

 

 Salsa Dance with Emotions!! Acrylic on canvas

 

 

 

 

The urban Oil on Canvas 

 

 

 

Bed Time

 

 

 Thieves in the market

 

 

 Images of memory

 

 Wheatfield

 

 African girls

 

 Musanze market

 

 

 

The Urban by Jean Bosco Bakunzi

 

 Green Sea by Jean Bosco Bakunzi

 

 

 The Rooster by Jean Bosco Bakunzi

 

 Jean Bosco Bakunzi is pictured with one of his paintings. Bakunzi’s work will be included in All Together Now at aka artist-run. Stephanie McKay / Saskatoon

 

 

 Street art by Jean Bosco

 

 Jean Bosco Bakunzi is pictured with one of his paintings. Bakunzi’s work will be included in All Together Now at aka artist-run. Stephanie McKay / Saskatoon

 

 We believe that arts heal people physically, mentally, emotionally!!

 

 

 

I was born in 1985 in Kigali, Rwanda. While I have been an artist my entire life, I have been creating art professionally since 2005. I am influenced by many artists; however, I am a self-taught artist.

As I have grown in my career, my work has become semi-abstract, and I sometimes show surrealist expressions. I often use a comb to create textures within my paintings. The comb helps me create fluidity and movement, allowing me to fully express my feelings in my work. Throughout my career, I have been motivated by the belief that “art has the power to heal people physically, mentally, and emotionally.”

With this belief in mind, I founded Rwanda’s leading art centre, “Uburanga Arts Studio” in March 2010. This studio brings together the most skilled and talented artists from all over the country with the goal of developing Rwanda’s fine art scene.

I donate my time teaching arts and crafts to orphans and vulnerable children. I have also spent time working and volunteering at Rwandan orphanages and hospitals painting bright and playful murals that have been sponsored by both private individuals and NGOs.

Organizer of Youth Football For Peace Tournament in Rwanda; with a goal of promoting Peace and Reconciliation and encourage children to take care of their skills. This Tournament happens every year since 2011 in Kigali-Rwanda.

 

 

 

 

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