This series is part of the multimedia exhibition Rwanda 30+: Bearing Witness to Genocide, which commemorates the 30th anniversary of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The exhibition is co-curated by Moshe Rosenzvieg OAM, Creative Director of the Head On Photo Festival, and Dr. Helen Vatsikopoulos, a journalist, academic, and fellow at UTS. It features photography by Stephen Dupont and Martina Reyes Guilmant and video footage from the SBS Dateline program’s reporting in 1994.
This project showcases studio portraits of survivors of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, who now reside in Australia and work with Kumva & Kwibuka: Listen and Remember, an organisation aimed at raising awareness through oral history.
The team visits Sydney high schools to share their life stories, enabling the younger generations of Australians to meet and connect with individuals they would otherwise never encounter. The project fosters connections between generations and demonstrates resilience in overcoming trauma.
As this year marks the 30-year commemoration of the event, it presents a crucial time and opportunity for learning, remembrance, and reflection. It prompts new perspectives on various aspects, such as exploring the influence of communication mediums in creating propaganda, utilising oral history and personal stories to educate younger generations against discrimination, and understanding the ongoing generational impact of genocide.
We captured photographs of a personal artefact brought by each individual, ranging from traditional clothing to the sole remaining photograph of a loved one. Due to the survivors’ forced displacement, some lack personal belongings or images of their families. Making this project is a means of constructing memories for their children.
The Kumva and Kwibuka team’s portraits are depicted positively, showcasing them beyond their trauma.
