“NOTE TO GRACILLA”
Opening: 7 pm to 9 pm. Saturday. September 21st.
Public Viewing: September 21st to October 26th, 2024.
Address: 2220 Commerce Street #D, Houston, TX 77002.
Mitochondria Gallery is pleased to present, Note to Gracilla, the debut solo exhibition by Rwandan artist, Manzi Leon, curated by Eric Agyare.
In Manzi Leon’s journey of artistic exploration, stepping into the lives of his characters is an indispensable part of capturing their true essence. This quest for profound connection led him to uncover a remarkable story nestled in the heart of Takoradi, Ghana-a narrative centered around an African lady by the name of Gracilla, whose experiences offer a powerful testament to resilience and grace.
The artworks presented in this exhibition transcend mere aesthetic appeal; they serve as affirmations and memoirs that ignite meaningful conversations about acceptance and self-worth among Black women globally. Each piece is a tribute to the idea that every woman embodies the spirit of Gracilla-an exceptional woman who radiates love and beauty from within.
Manzi invites viewers to engage with this body of work as a means to perceive their world through the lens of these affirmations. He asks viewers to recognize the quiet yet profound efforts of women who tirelessly strive to improve our world, often against the odds. Spending time with Gracilla also allowed Manzi to reflect on the ways African women reconcile their self-identity with their nurturing roles. This introspective journey, shaped by both Gracilla’s narrative and his own experiences, has deeply influenced this collection, highlighting beauty found in the most unexpected moments.
EXHIBITION PREVIEW
Inquire
In Conversation with Eric Agyare
About Manzi Leon
Manzi Leon is a self-taught visual and digital artist from Rwanda. For him, art is a cure or something that heals and uplifts society. As a self-taught artist, he began his career using the painterly painting style to express himself and, more importantly, advocate a desirable appreciation for black women and their essential role in his community.
His brush strokes converge on a canvas through a painterly style to form a masterpiece. Manzi has exhibited as an emerging contemporary African voice in Rwanda, Ghana and the USA. Manzi is driven by a profound commitment to personal and artistic growth, striving to be a powerful contemporary voice from Africa. His journey is centered around establishing foundational pillars that will support and shape his artistic endeavors. Passionate about advocacy, he focuses on supporting and amplifying the voices of Black women globally through his work. Manzi’s vision is not only to evolve as an artist but also to create meaningful impact and change through his creative expression.
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2024 Note to Gracilla, Mitochondria Gallery, Houston, Texas.
SELECT GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2023: “When the Sun Stands Still”, a Group exhibition, Mitochondria Gallery, Houston, Texas.
2022: “Shaping the narrative” group exhibition Accra Art Week, Ghana
2022: “Latitude of Expression”, a group exhibition, Mitochondria Gallery, Houston, Texas.
2022: “East Africa group exhibition” with Akazi and Komezart, Georgia Atlanta
2022: “Black Bosom” a group exhibition at Indiba art space, Kigali, Rwanda.
2021: IMFURA HERITAGE FESTIVAL ART EXHIBITION” Kigali, Rwanda.
2021: “Isi Yacu” (our world), a group exhibition with Komezart,Kigali, Rwanda
EDUCATION
2021: Bachelor of Business in information technology/ University of Kigali, Rwanda)
** Editors Note: Manzi Leon. Note to Gracilla. Mitochondria Gallery. 2024