Alice Kayibanda

Alice Kayibanda

Alice Kayibanda is a self-taught conceptual photographer from Rwanda, exploring themes centered on her womanhood in black-and-white images. In our chat, Alice talks about how the depressive season in her life kicked off her artistic career. She opens up about her battle with self-doubt and how she pushes herself to create in spite of it.

Tell us about yourself and your artistic journey.

I stumbled upon a career in photography when I went through depression in 2010. I turned to it as my solace, for it elicited a nostalgic feeling as a young girl watching my father take photos for fun. Fortunate enough to have been able to afford a camera, I absorbed myself into it.

I started exploring street photography because I did not want to approach people. It was all for fun until two years later, when someone purchased a picture, and from then on, people hired me for work. In 2020, I ventured into conceptual photography while pursuing a full-time job in administration.

Still dreaded

How have you found conceptual photography so far?

I am a self-taught photographer. I also learn from the work of other photographers. Most of the time, I do not know what I am doing (laughs). I find that conceptual photography is not as easy as I thought. A project would look good in my head, but I would doubt its feasibility. Interestingly, most of the photography jobs that have come my way are from people contacting me on their own because they tell me that my work is good. 

How do you decide on themes for your work?

Most of my conceptual work revolves around my womanhood, my depression, and my healing. At the completion of every photography project, I write a poem. It was during this process that I realized that most of my work is about me. Initially, it was about women’s empowerment; it was not until recently that I saw that it was about me and my journey as a woman. As I heal, that may change.     

Coming up with the messages surrounding my womanhood starts with a thought during self-reflection. I get caught up in procrastination, but this idea becomes relentless, forcing me to bring it to life.

But who am I

Why do you choose black-and-white photography?

I have never been one to love colours. I grew up looking at the black-and-white photographs that my father took. 

Do you have a network of artists on whom you rely on for support?

I have photojournalist friends who recommend me for jobs when they are busy. I am also friends with a lot of painters, like Nelson Niyakire, who ask me to collaborate with them on exhibitions. I love painting, and painters love my photography.

How has your experience been with handling the business aspect of photography?

There have been times when a single job would pay me more than a month’s salary. Other times, I would get jobs for several months, followed by months without any. It gets complicated when I am passionate about art but resent it when I do not make enough. I opted for a full-time career in administration to be able to facilitate my photography and lifestyle.

It also does not help when people brand an artist as a difficult person when they charge what they deserve. Since I want to stay in the market and get jobs, I have ended up spending a lot of money on transportation, licensing, and other expenses to do a job. Upon calculating my costs, I realized that I had lost money.

The wait

What are your other least favourite parts of professional art?

The culture of photography, especially street photography, is lacking in Rwanda. There is a lot to learn when it comes to the craft, such as getting permits. It would be much easier if we had a union for photographers.

On a personal level, without the intention of sounding ungrateful, I have a love-hate relationship with photography. I think one has to be strong to be an artist, and I do not enjoy that part one bit. Additionally, some of us experience moments of self-doubt. We need more of us to validate our artists’ work.

How do you stay motivated when facing these challenges?

Despite every challenge, I would wake up and do it again. I have grabbed my camera during moments of self-doubt and created good images. I have proven to myself that I have the skills. This is what is going to motivate me to do it again.

The light comes from within

How has your work deepened your sense of personal awareness?

I have become more comfortable talking to people. I have also learned to keep quiet and listen to people in order to do a good job. Before, I was always arguing, having something to say, and having strong opinions about everything.

What do you envision for your career in the near future?

I have been working on a project titled, "The Good Wife," for six months now. The ten-photo series addresses gender-based violence in ways that would hopefully make people have more conversations about it. I want to take ten photos by December.

How would you advise a beginning artist?

Never stop learning.

Mtwara, August 2019