Art and Kittens

I've posted in the past about talented Rwandan artist Daddy Ishimwe, who goes by the brushname Daddyisme. I was invited to hang out at a gallery the other week and finally got to see the original Black Mona Lisa, which is one of his most famous pieces. He's even made a rap video promoting the piece. The gallery is at 41 KG 601. It's open every day except Sundays, but there's no sign outside, so you wouldn't know it's there. Apparently it belongs to the guy who runs Envision café up the road, which Daddy also painted. 

There are some wonderful pieces inside the gallery, such as this painting of President Kagame, entirely painted from tiny images of agaseki baskets (Rwandan peace baskets).

Selekarts

Biratonny
His art is inspired by his mother who
died in the genocide.

Bless__aine

Not sure of this artist's name?

Mugishapablo
I honestly thought this was a photo!

More of Daddy's art.

Background he painted for a TV show.
Based on the reed screens at Nyanza.

He is also working on a whole-room 3D exhibit where you feel like you're floating in space, surrounded by clouds. It's really amazing, but I can't share until it's complete.

Striking poses with Daddy and my friend Key.

Wire sculptures at the gallery.

Key - artistic pose
Artist _17_arts_

It was really nice to see some art as there aren't that many places in Kigali that have permanent displays. I'm not sure why they don't advertise it. Everything is sort of hidden away, so you wouldn't know it was there unless you knew one of the artists. 

In other news, I have a new kitten.

He still needs a name. Just can't think of a good one. Here come a gratuitous number of kitten pics...

Aaah, yes, he is cute, but he is also a little shit.

He is pretty good at not shredding my expensive net curtains, but every now and then he gets excited and forgets.

Round up of other stuff:

Giant moth.

Had a lovely lunch at my friends' house, Pieter and Isma. Good to catch up as we hadn't seen each other in a long time. A lovely spread and a nice little garden where they are growing tree tomatoes (tamarillo). I did not know this, but apparently tamarillo only lasts for one season and then dies!

Had a beautiful, misty morning.

Popped over to CasaKeza to see the rabbits. 

I got all dressed up for my neighbour's wedding, but I'll write a separate post about that as I need to sort through the photos.

Went out for a lovely Indian with my friend Jan and Gerry. There's a new place up the road that look like a Mondrian. It's called Red Handi, at the top of the road from RDB going down to Nyarutarama Tennis Club, and the food is spectacular. We gorged ourselves on starters.