Drawing Fragility, Rendering Strength: A Conversation with Christian Rukeza

Christian Rukeza is a self-taught visual artist from Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Through his powerful and emotionally charged drawings, he has developed a unique artistic language that explores the depths of human experience, emotions, and contemporary narratives. Working primarily in black and white with pencil and ink, Christian adopts a minimalist approach that captures the duality of human fragility and resilience, offering viewers a quiet space for reflection and introspection.

His art transcends borders, inviting a universal dialogue in which each person can find a piece of themselves. With a passion for sharing African artistic diversity, he aspires to showcase his work on international platforms and highlight the power of visual expression as a tool for connection and transformation.

Can you tell us about your journey as a self-taught artist? What first drew you to visual art?

My journey as a self-taught artist began in 2017 in Goma. I’ve always been drawn to drawing and visual expression, though I never received formal academic training. I started learning on my own when I joined an art house in Goma — observing, experimenting, and, most importantly, practising a lot.

Since I was a child, I’ve been fascinated by stories. I loved Marvel comics — especially Spider-Man — and superhero movies. These imaginary worlds gave me an escape and sparked a deep desire to create. Visual art gave me the power to build a world out of nothing, just like the ones I admired as a child. It’s become a bridge between my inner world and reality, allowing me to keep building that imaginary world, but now with the tools and awareness of an adult.

Over the years, I’ve participated in workshops, exhibitions, and artist gatherings that've significantly shaped me. Being self-taught pushed me to develop my own artistic sensitivity and to stay curious and free in my creative process. Although I’m now based in Bujumbura, I continue to learn, create, and exhibit. It’s a personal journey — driven by emotion, research, and the desire to share what I feel with others.

Growing up in Goma, how did your environment influence your creativity and the themes you explore?

Growing up in Goma had a profound impact on my perspective of the world. The city is full of contrasts — beautiful and fragile — shaped by history, conflict, and resilience. I was surrounded by both harsh realities and rich emotional and cultural landscapes that continue to inspire me.

Goma taught me to observe deeply and question what I see. The themes I explore today — memory, protection, fragility, inner strength — are rooted in that environment. It taught me to look beyond appearances, to search for what lies in people’s eyes, silences, and scars. That emotional depth is something I try to convey through my work.

Was there a specific moment when you knew art would be your path?

Not one specific moment, but rather a series of small affirmations that I still experience. Since childhood, I’ve always felt a bit different — shy, observant. Art gave me a way to stand out, to exist fully. Each time someone calls me an “artist” or connects with my work, I feel a quiet recognition. Those moments are why I continue to create. As long as they continue, I’ll remain on this path.

Insouciance, 2024