Ecole d’Arts de Nyundo, Rwanda has produced the best creatives in the country. To say the least, you’re not an artist if you’ve never set foot in this prestigious facility. Let alone, caught sight of its chalkboard.
Among its exceptional multi-disciplinary talent is Jennifer Agnes Tuyishimire—a 23-year-old female sculptor. You read that right, a sculptor—an unusual form of art, more so in women. Now let me put this straight. I’m not trying to define gender roles here. Instead, I’m stating what reports say.
On joining Nyundo, Jennifer was ‘set’ to upskill her drawing skills–according to her definition of ceramics and sculpture, a sixteen year old by the time. Nonetheless, even after realising that what she had signed up for was novel, her decision was not deterred.
“We were given an opportunity to switch subjects, but I didn’t change my mind,” she stated. In a tone brimming with passion, Jennifer explained that she was curious to discover this new journey. A curiosity that would later grow into passion every time a piece of clay or wood transformed into a beautiful creation.
The process, however, was filled with shortcomings—unsolicited breakages. This birthed a sense of fear in Jeniffer, but she soldiered on. Mastering techniques like patience, caution and confidence as tools for conquering.
Present day, she can not be thankful enough for having embarked on sculpting. In her words, “ I love my craft. Time spent sculpting not only makes the ‘impossible’ possible (creating a masterpiece from a tree branch), but also brings life to my soul. From walking in nature in search of raw materials to listening to music while creating and sharing stories about different cultures, unity, among other things during exhibitions.”
On 30th April 2025, I got an opportunity to view some of Jennifer’s creations during an exhibition at ‘Coco & Phi Heritage Link’ in Kicukiro. A collection of diverse art pieces that captured Rwanda’s journey of healing and renewal after the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
Certainly, her artwork was contrasting from that of other exhibitors. Primarily because instead of canvas, threads and wood were used. Intrigued by how much time and effort she must possibly invest to bring to life such creations, I tasked this youngster to walk me through her creative journey.
“My creative process starts with a single concept. Sometimes it’s a memory, story, movie or music,” she explained. This is followed by research, sketching and selecting materials for use. Preceded by shaping, carving and experimenting.
Asked how long all this takes, Jennifer admitted that the time varies between days to years, depending on the ‘size’ of the art work. Besides, she uses different materials: wood, paint, fabric, metal, clay and recycled products, sourced within her surroundings and beyond, which makes the procedure more strenuous.
Moreover, her gender doesn’t help the situation. Being a lady in a male dominated industry threatens Jennifer’s creativity. Often, she’s considered ‘incompetent’-denied space and quality materials to execute her ideas.
Nonetheless, she has learnt to turn challenges into motivation, trusting the process and most importantly, using the little she has been awarded to create ‘wonders’.
“I show up consistently, even when my requests have been turned down. With time, I’ve learnt that women, regardless of their domain, face the same challenges. But do they give up? Definitely not. Why then should I? She remarked.
This determination and persistence has earned Jennifer ‘purpose’. She says that doors she never imagined to open have been spread wide for her to walk through—a notable one, an art exhibition in Luxembourg. Her social capital has also amplified as a result of partaking in different workshops and mentorship programs.
Even so, the sky’s the limit. Jennifer’s wish is to establish a sculpture studio. One where she would nurture young talents, among other things. To fulfill this, she notes that advancing her education and obtaining sufficient funds are prerequisites. Thus calling upon artists, regardless of their gender, in addition to all stakeholders to support the creative industry.
“I would love to see more support from different institutions in the form of artist residences, funding and education. Artists lack platforms for visibility and space to explore their creativity.”
To the audience, Jennifer requests for ‘engagement’. “I invite viewers to engage, touch and be a part of the piece’s journey. Sculptures carry equal creativity, labor and meaning like any other form of art,” she explained.
A Rwandan by nationality, Jennifer Agnes Tuyishimire’s artwork speaks through form, color and materials. A testament to a living language that breathes stories of culture, unity, love and everyday experiences.
This trait she has carried from a tender age–drawing and decorating handwritten letters to friends. And though she has ventured a manifold of crafts along the way, sculpture remains the heartbeat of her creativity. Looking up to whoever does ‘good’, whether it’s supporting or uplifting others.
