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What to know about Simon Berger’s glass portrait of President Kagame

By Esther Muhozi
On 11 April 2024 at 08:35

A Swiss artist, Simon Berger, has created a portrait of the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, using glass. This artwork was shared by Simon Berger on his social media platforms, informing his followers that it is available at the Underdogs Gallery in Lisbon, Portugal.

The piece is made from shattered glass, a technique so challenging that few artists would attempt it. Berger is known for his expertise in creating ’Fine art’, a category of visual art known for its beauty and craftsmanship.

Jean Damour Tuyishime, who completed his art studies at the Nyundo School of Music, told IGIHE that creating fine art requires exceptional skill.

He said, "Here in Rwanda, it is not taught, and we did not learn it at Nyundo, even though we graduated in 2019. Fine art is difficult; not everyone tries it, which is why people here are hesitant to attempt it due to the lack of educational institutions teaching it.

The artwork by Simon Berger was sold on April 10, 2024. There are Videos and Pictures of Simon Berger showing how he completed the artwork have been released. It is said that he only made 50 pieces of art. Simon Berger’s artworks are so expensive that not everyone can afford them.

The website Artnet, which features Simon Berger’s artworks, shows that the starting price for his works is at least 33,600 US dollars, which is more than 40 million Rwandan Francs. The portrait of President Kagame was dedicated by Simon to the Swiss artist Charles-Édouard Jeanneret, known as Le Corbusier, who lived from 1887-1965.

Le Corbusier was among the artists who revolutionized the art world, uniquely known for initiating ’Fine art’ by breaking glass with a hammer and then transforming it into an artwork. Berger is also known for creating portraits of internationally recognized leaders. In February 2021, he made a portrait of the Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris, which is located in the Lincoln museum in Washington.

Simon Burger an artist has created an art piece Of President Kagame Paul is a shuttered Glass
Berger is known for his expertise in creating 'Fine art', a category of visual art in shattered Glass

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