John Taous Tuyisambe

John Taouss Tuyisambe is a Rwandan fine artist and printmaker based in South Africa. He is known for using his art to inspire young people and contribute to the development of Rwanda. Born with natural artistic talent, Tuyisambe developed his skills through education in Gisenyi before 1994 and later continued his studies in fine printmaking in South Africa in 2000.

He specializes in fine art and printmaking, with a strong passion for printmaking because it allows him to create detailed and meaningful work. Through his paintings and prints, he hopes to create positive change in society and encourage young people to create jobs for themselves instead of depending on others or engaging in risky activities.

Tuyisambe has faced many challenges in his artistic journey. Art materials are expensive, and organizing exhibitions is costly. He also believes that many people in Rwanda still have limited knowledge about fine art, although interest in art is gradually increasing. Despite these difficulties, he continues to promote art as an important tool for education, communication, and national development.

He encourages fellow artists to believe in themselves, work together, and organize more exhibitions to gain recognition. He also believes that artists should form associations to support one another and make their work easier. According to Tuyisambe, art can play a major role in improving a country’s image and changing people’s lives through powerful messages.

In addition to his own artistic work, Tuyisambe has also gained international experience through collaborations with artists and print studios. He worked as an intern at The Artists Proof Studio, where he received support and guidance from printer Todd Anderson from the United States, who worked at Tandem Press.

References:

Times Reporter (1970). Tuyisambe’s love for art. [online] The New Times. Available at: https://www.newtimes.co.rw/art... [Accessed 20 May 2026].

wpgmembers (2014). Reception Photos (Part 2): Celebrating Our South African Voices Exhibition. [online] DCimPRINT. Available at: https://dcimprint.wordpress.co... [Accessed 20 May 2026].

World Printmakers’ Print Workshop Central. (2008). Artists’ Press, White River, South Africa. [online] Available at: https://printworkshopcentral.w... [Accessed 20 May 2026].

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