About Me

JEAN-YVES KWIBUKA  -  ARTIST

Jean-Yves, an Auckland-based artist, finds escape and expression through drawing and painting. His work blends the beauty of the natural world with the vibrancy of pop culture, creating pieces that are as thought-provoking as they are visually striking.

Jean humorously recalls his start in art, sketching stick figures and rays of sunshine in the corner of his childhood drawings. His passion truly ignited when he began sketching his neighborhood, embracing creativity as a way to explore the world around him.

Largely self-taught, Jean credits high school art classes for sharpening his eye for detail and pushing him to strive for excellence. "Iron sharpens iron," he says, reflecting on how those moments defined his journey as an artist.

For Jean, art is a challenge and a reward. He believes in balancing effort and execution, releasing only work that represents his best at the time. His favorite creations tell stories—pieces that resonate differently with each viewer, capturing the ripple effects of life, nature, and culture.

Having called New Zealand home since the age of twelve, after moving from an impoverished African nation, Jean sees art as a reflection of life’s complexity and beauty. To him, it’s more than creativity; it’s destiny.