King and I agreed to a Zoom call after a few email exchanges. Initially, I had been won over by his impasto paintings, which I feel tell a story with such sensitivity. I find his work full of finesse and emotion, and my hour-long meeting with this talented artist added even more depth to it.

King took me through his world from start to finish; from his artistic development, which involved convincing his parents that art was his vocation, to his overall perception of art in Rwanda.

King Nagbonziza is a Rwandan figurative artist born in Musanze, whose passion for art began at an early age. Rooted in the stories, culture, and traditions of his village, his work is a deeply personal exploration of resilience, hope, and transformation. Drawing inspiration from his life and community, King uses art as both a form of storytelling and a tool for social change.

He refined his skills at the prestigious École d’Art de Nyundo, where he focused on impasto painting and bold brushstrokes, developing richly textured, emotive canvases. His art serves as a visual language, expressing what words often cannot—an intuitive dialogue between artwork and viewer.

Beyond painting, King is also an accomplished sketch artist. His sketches often form the foundation of his larger works, capturing the raw beauty of everyday life. Through all mediums, he channels personal experience into art that motivates others to face challenges with courage and optimism.

A passionate advocate for children’s rights, King uses his platform to spotlight issues affecting young people in his community, believing in art’s power to inspire and uplift. His work has been showcased in major exhibitions such as the Isaliyuti Art Festival and Ishuri Art Exhibition, and can be seen at prominent galleries like Envision Rwanda, Mads Kigali, and Izihirwe Art Studio.

King aspires to use art as a force for positive change, both locally and globally—honoring the past, embracing the present, and inspiring future generations.

To experience the power of storytelling through color and texture—and to support an artist who paints with purpose—explore and purchase King Ngabonziza’s work here, and let his art inspire transformation in your own space.

Follow King at:

https://www.instagram.com/ngabonziza_king/

https://www.instagram.com/n.king_sketch/ (for sketches only)

Location: Kigali (Rwanda)