Innocent Nkurunziza

“Art has always been a refuge in my self-expression,

healing in times of depression - a result of losing my

dear mom at an early stage of my childhood

development. Art played a big role in facing and

overcoming challenges. [It] brought me hope and

happiness, which I carry on in my day-to-day life

experiences. Plus, it has become a healing tool to my

life, art lovers, friends, and clients” (Innocent Nkurunziz

in an interview conducted by Alex Pompliano)

Innocent Nkurunziza is one of the leading contemporary artists in Rwanda. Born and raised in Uganda, his family returned to Rwanda in 1997 when he was a teenager. Here he helped to establish the first Rwandan art collective in 2007: Ivuka Arts. Innocent is driven by the desire to change lives through art.

He is a prominent force in the development and promotion of the contemporary arts scene in Rwanda and as we were privileged to witness ourselves, admirably succeeds in making it an inclusive process by engaging its neighborhood and the broader community.

Innocent paints, makes sculptures, and designs jewelry in an abstract-expressionistic style. About his inspiration and approach he stated “the dynamic rhythm of nature, people, colours and texture within my world are the basis from which my art is derived. (...) Each day I live my dream of working as a visual artist and it is my desire that you as the viewer will find your own inspiration within my dream.”

Innocent has participated in various local, international, solo and group exhibitions; including in the USA, the UK, Canada, and Germany.