Visual Art In Burundi

Burundi Thu 01-04-2010

Visual Art In Burundi
Compiled by Carl Odera

A wide range of variety is found in Burundi art. Geometrical figures and various types of designs with beautiful colors and shapes are predominant in Burundi art.

Decorative motifs are a very common in the art of Burundi. The Burundi art is visible in pottery, sculpture, bas-relief and wickerwork.

The children of Burundi are also engaged in various types of art work. They love wall paintings in which village sceneries and many other beautiful themes are given expression.

Untitled by Jean Ayan

Untitled painting by Jean Ayan, Burundi

The visual arts of Burundi have become less popular due to the popularity of dance and music. People are now more interested in these forms of arts.

The sculpture and paintings of Burundi art still have a rich heritage. In early decades, modern plastic art was very popular among the people.

In 1952, the École céramique de Giheta form of art was introduced by an Italian missionary in Burundi. In those times, it was a favorite art of Burundi.

Until 1966, this art of Burundi influenced a number of artists but with the creation of École technique secondaire d'art, it faded. This form of art was also introduced by an Italian and is also run by Italians in Burundi.

Figurative art form is very commonly practiced in Burundi art. The European and Italian imprints is seen in the Burundi works of art like in mosaics.

The themes of the designs mainly concentrate on Burundi life but the marks of the western art are also evident. There are many artisan centers in Burundi like Le Musee vivant and Le Musee national. Both of these art centers in Burundi mainly deals with modern art.

The visual arts in Burundi have been overshadowed by music, dance and poetry. That contemporary sculpture and painting are coming into their own is evident in this anthology - indeed that is its purpose. In the evolution of the modern plastic arts in Burundi, the creation of the École céramique de Giheta in 1952 by Italian missionaries was seminal.

It lasted until 1966 and was superceded by the École technique secondaire d'art, also run by Italians. Apart from these, a few other artisan centers have been set up, and Le Musée national and Le Musée vivant are equally involved in modern art.

The Italian (and European) imprint is often evident in the works of art -- mosaics, for example -- even though the themes are drawn from life in Burundi.

Abstraction is rare; figurative art predominates. Nine painters and twelve sculptors are profiled, most in their 20s and 30s. Well illustrated with color reproductions, although not all are identified by artist or date.

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