Collection:
Tony Girimbabazi
Girimbabazi Fabrice, a Rwandan artist born in 1993 in Kibuye, Western province, endured the loss of his parents during the Genocide of the Tutsi in 1994. He found solace in the "Orphelinat noel de Nyundo" orphanage, where he was raised alongside more than 600 children. Despite the hardships, Girimbabazi held a dream of becoming a painter, a medium through which he could express the predominantly negative emotions he experienced as a parentless child.
Within the orphanage, a remarkable woman served as a mother figure not only to Girimbabazi but also to over 1000 children. Raised predominantly by women, the absence of a father figure unconsciously influenced his art, a realization that took time to fully comprehend. In 2012, Girimbabazi pursued his passion by enrolling in the "École d'Art de Nyundo" art school, where he dedicated three years to studying Graphic Art and Design. In 2014, he achieved his Art diploma.
Shortly after Girimbabazi's educational pursuits, the Rwandan government made the decision to close all orphanages. Undeterred, in 2015, he began his professional career as an artist in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. The year 2016 marked a significant milestone in his artistic journey with his first exhibition held in the United States. His paintings were showcased alongside original Picasso artworks, and Girimbabazi sold two of his own paintings at the prestigious Andrew Weiss Gallery.
During this time, Girimbabazi's artistic style and inspiration centered around a consistent theme "a mother and her child. Although initially uncertain about the origins of his need to depict mothers and babies, he gradually realized that it served as a means to reflect on his personal history". Through his artwork, he delves into his childhood experiences, the impact of his upbringing surrounded by strong female figures, and the absence of a paternal presence. Art became a healing process,a way for Girimbabazi to find solace and reconcile his past.
Girimbabazi's ultimate wish is to share his art with others, inspiring and providing comfort, strength, and perhaps even healing. His collection reflects not only his personal journey but also invites viewers to contemplate their own experiences and the roles played by women and men in their lives.