The 'What the Ground Remembers' art exhibition, also known as 'Ibyo Ubutaka Bwibuka' in Kinyarwanda, has been launched in Rwanda to commemorate the country's history, particularly the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. The exhibition features various artworks by different artists, accompanied by testimonies from survivors. It aims to demonstrate how the land can be seen as a witness to history, having experienced tragic events and subsequently being rebuilt.
The exhibition was officially opened on the evening of September 25, 2026, at the National Museum of Rwanda's Genocide and History Museum in Kigali. The event was attended by several high-profile guests, including Ambassador Robert Masozera, the Chairperson of the National Commission for the Fight Against Genocide. Masozera expressed his curiosity about what the land would say if it could speak, citing the museum's location, which was once the residence of former Rwandan President Juvenal Habyarimana.
The exhibition is a collaboration between various institutions, including the National Commission for the Fight Against Genocide, the Ministry of Unity and National Reconciliation, TheMuseumsLab, and the University of Oxford. It features artworks primarily by Rwandan artists, which are accompanied by audio recordings of survivor testimonies that explain the significance of each piece and its connection to Rwanda's history.
According to the exhibition's organizers, the land remembers various aspects of Rwanda's past, including the mass graves where Tutsis were buried, the blood that was spilled, and the churches where people were killed. However, it also recalls the country's rebirth and development after the genocide. The exhibition showcases the transformation of the land, which was once a scene of tragedy and now features modern infrastructure, including roads, streetlights, and community centers.
Natalie Tegama, a researcher at the University of Oxford and the lead curator of the exhibition, expressed her gratitude to the Rwandan people for their warm reception of the exhibition. She praised the collaboration between Rwandan and international institutions, which made the project possible. Tegama emphasized the importance of preserving Rwanda's history and promoting national unity through cultural initiatives like the exhibition.
Inshungure Parfait, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Youth and Cultural Heritage, praised the exhibition as a remarkable initiative that showcases Rwanda's history through art. He highlighted the significance of collaboration between Rwandan and international partners in promoting the country's cultural heritage. Parfait also emphasized the importance of supporting artists and preserving Rwanda's history, particularly the genocide against the Tutsi, which claimed over 100,000 lives.
The 'What the Ground Remembers' exhibition was prepared over several months, with preparations starting on January 20, 2026, and concluding on September 22, 2026. The exhibition is open to the public and offers a unique opportunity for visitors to reflect on Rwanda's complex history and its people's resilience.
Key points
- The exhibition features artworks and survivor testimonies that highlight Rwanda's history and the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
