Artists from different backgrounds have come together in an exhibition titled “Unbroken” to celebrate women and highlight their strength, resilience, and contributions to society as the world marked International Women’s Day.
Through paintings and artistic expression, the exhibition explores the multiple roles women play in families and communities while calling for greater appreciation of their efforts.
Ademola Adeshina, founder of ‘Simple Living Art Gallery’, explained that the exhibition was intentionally organized to recognize the power and influence of women in everyday life.
“We are trying to celebrate women because today is International Women’s Day,” he said. “If we actually look at this world that we have, no man can exist without a woman, and no family can actually stand firm without a woman in that family.”
He noted that women often carry several responsibilities at once, balancing family life with work and other duties.
“From my own perspective, I may be wrong, but sincerely speaking, I want to say that women are stronger than men,” he said. “You see a woman who is pregnant and still taking care of children, waking up early to prepare food for the family, and after all that, she still goes to work.”
Adeshina also pointed out the need for more women to participate in the art industry, noting that female artists remain underrepresented.
Also exhibiting his work is Reverend Prince Timeng, a 60-year-old Ghanaian visual artist who used the platform to recognize the contribution of African women to the continent’s social, political, and cultural development. He explained that many of his paintings focus on portraying the strength and value of women in society.
One of his works, titled “Back to Roots,” encourages African women to embrace their natural identity and cultural heritage instead of relying on foreign beauty standards.
“African women are blessed naturally with beauty, grace and all the good things we can think of,” he said. “This wealth basically means to go back to the roots and have their natural hair instead of using wigs, and apply herbs that could not ruin their skin instead of using bleaching lotions.”
The self-taught visual artist, Emmanuel Tutu, said his inspiration for celebrating women comes from his own life experience. He grew up in a household led by a single mother who raised him and his siblings.
“I grew up with a single mother who raised me and my siblings. She worked very hard and showed a lot of courage, and because of her we never lacked anything in our lives.”
Tutu explained that watching his mother’s determination shaped his respect for women and motivated him to take part in the exhibition honoring them.
Through their artworks and personal stories, the artists say the “Unbroken” exhibition serves as a reminder of the resilience, dedication, and enduring influence of women in society.
The exhibition will run for three weeks to allow more visitors to experience the artworks and reflect on the message behind them.
Simple Living Art Gallery, located in Kibagabaga, Kigali – 108 KG 19 Avenue.
Gabriel UZABAKIRIHO / KIGALI TIMES