Izere Antoine has participated in two solo exhibitions at Mitochondria Gallery. He made his Museum Exhibition debut at The MET Manila, in the Philippines, alongside renowned artists such as Kehinde Wiley, Amoako Boafo, Hank Willis Thomas, Nathaniel Mary Quinn, Rashid Johnson, Tunji Adeniyi-Jones, and Toyin Ojih Odutola. Izere has also participated in over 15 group exhibitions and art fairs across North America, Europe, and Africa since 2019.
Izere earned his degree in sculpture and ceramics from the prestigious Nyundo School of Art. Known for his richly textured oil-on-canvas paintings, his evolving style marries the tactile depth of sculpture with the visual narrative of figurative art.
Recently, Izere was among four Rwandan artists invited to exhibit at When the Sun Stands Still, a major group show hosted by Houston’s Mitochondria Gallery this June–July. The invitation came after the gallery discovered Izere’s portfolio on Instagram in 2021, leading to a solo show and three group exhibitions in the U.S. between 2021 and 2022. His piece Profound Peace (2023) and the vibrant Karabo (stories behind it make people feel connected),” says Izere Antione de Padue.
Participation in the Houston show amplifies Izere’s reach far beyond East Africa. He acknowledges both the opportunities and challenges: shipping canvases and sourcing high-quality materials remain costly, and artistic standards in markets abroad are exacting. Through his collaborations, he hopes to inspire fellow Rwandan artists to embrace global platforms: “Don’t create and keep your work to yourself … no one will know your talent when it’s hidden”.
In an art world craving authenticity, Izere Antoine’s richly textured canvases deliver narratives rooted in Rwandan life and universal emotion. His international shows are not just personal achievements—they mark a growing presence of contemporary East African art on the world stage2024) have since sold through the gallery.
Beyond his canvas, Izere Antoine is also a student at Mount Kigali University, pursuing a degree in Mass Media and Communication. This academic path reflects his desire to boost his effective communication skills and gain a clearer insight into how media shapes cultural norms, values, and societal trends.
“I love the heavy brushstrokes of the Impressionists; this gave birth to my impasto style. I see life as a passion. Art is one of the open ways of speaking to people about their emotions, feelings, and all the untold.
From a young age, Izere loved art. He is passionate about exploring the many ways in which art is part of our lives. His art depicts situations of social life, emotions, and feelings. Izere is represented by Mitochondria Gallery in Houston, Texas.
