About Me

JEAN-YVES KWIBUKA  -  ARTIST

Drawing and painting is an escape. Some may even go so far as to call it a form of therapy. Jean-Yves is an Auckland-based Artist who's work embraces the beauty in the natural world and pop culture.  

"Established law (in The Childhood Art Code of Conduct) states: a child shall start their artistic journey with stick-figures and a sun with visible rays in the corner of the page." Jean may have made that part up, but it was nonetheless his experience too while growing up. "My initial love for drawing and design began with drawing buildings surrounding my neighbourhood. You know - back when going-outside was a thing."

Save for a couple of art classes in high school, Jean describes himself largely as a self taught artist. "I have to say, being amongst such raw, unbound talent in those classes did elevate my skill level and sharpened my eye for detail." This period taught Jean what it means to continually strive for better and better - not just in art. "They say iron sharpens iron, and I can think of no better time in my life where this phrase apply."

To be frank, art is difficult and frustrating at times. It's hard coming up with an idea, and it's even harder executing it to your liking. Any artist worth their salt will also tell you about the inner struggle of balancing time spent vs. quality of the piece. There is always more you wish you added or augmented. Jean presents you with his best. At the point of releasing a piece here, you can trust that IT'S the best he could do. Nothing more or less.

"I like all sort of art. My favourite kind conveys a story. It'll be a piece that can mean different things to different people depending on their perspectives in life. These pieces are the hardest to come up with, but the most rewarding. Done correctly, these pieces are where the magic of art happens."

"New Zealand is where I've resided since the age of twelve. Coming from an unstable, impoverished, African nation; New Zealand has been by comparison the land of prosperity. I call it home now and it's beautiful." 

You can choose what inspires you. For Jean, it's the phenomenon that is life - in all of it's forms. Science says life started one way, religion says another, but they both agree that it'll all end one day. "I am interested in the stuff in between. The ripple effects of our existence, that touch the natural world and influence pop culture. These are the pillars onto which my art stands."

DESTINY

THAT'S WHAT ART MEANS TO ME