An Example of an Artistic Residency in France: Shema Gaëtan
In recent years, an increasing number of Rwandan artists have crossed borders to take part in artistic residencies in France, where they develop their creative practice through encounters with new artistic approaches and cultural environments.
Visual artist, fashion designer, and DJ Shema Gaëtan (KAYIRANGA Gaetan Shema) is part of this emerging movement. In April 2025, he was invited to La Métive, a multidisciplinary artists’ residency located in Moutier-d’Ahun, in the Creuse department of central France.
This residency followed the Kigali Triennale, which brought together artists and key figures from the cultural sector, creating new opportunities for international artistic exchange.
1. Who is Shema Gaëtan?
Born and raised in a village in western Rwanda, Shema Gaëtan grew up alongside his mother, a seamstress who introduced him from an early age to experimenting with fabrics and materials. Now based in Kigali, he has refined his artistic practice through collaborations with numerous local artists and artisans.
Working at the intersection of photography, fashion, and painting, his practice draws on childhood memories while engaging with the contemporary realities that shape his daily life.
2. La Métive: A Creative Residency in Rural France
Established in Moutier-d’Ahun in 2002, La Métive hosts artists from around the world throughout the year, providing dedicated spaces for research and artistic creation.
Located in the rural region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, the residency was founded on a vision of social engagement and cultural outreach, encouraging dialogue between resident artists and local communities through workshops, public events, and open studio presentations.
3. A Residency Focused on Textile Arts
From April 1 to April 30, 2025, Shema Gaëtan devoted his residency to exploring weaving and tapestry, investigating how these traditional textile techniques could enrich and expand his artistic practice.
Building on his background in fashion and garment-making, he used this period to deepen his knowledge of textile craftsmanship and imagine new ways of incorporating these techniques into his creative work.
4. A Warm Welcome Led by Aurore Claverie
Shema Gaëtan was welcomed by Aurore Claverie, Artistic Director of La Métive, together with the residency team, who support each artist throughout the development of their project.
His residency concluded on April 29, 2025, with a public open studio, followed by an informal gathering at La Métive’s community café, offering an opportunity for dialogue between the artist and local residents.
Key Takeaways from the Residency
- A one-month residency from April 1–30, 2025, at La Métive (Moutier-d’Ahun, Creuse, France).
- Hosted by Aurore Claverie, Artistic Director of La Métive, and her team.
- Artistic research focused on weaving and tapestry as an extension of Shema Gaëtan’s creative practice.
- A public open studio on April 29, 2025, followed by a community gathering.
- An important milestone in the still-emerging history of Rwandan artists’ residencies in France.
Rwandan Artists’ Residencies in France: A Story Still Being Written
Although opportunities for Rwandan artists to undertake residencies in France remain relatively rare, they reflect the growing artistic exchanges between Rwanda and the French cultural scene.
By welcoming artists from Kigali and across Rwanda, institutions such as La Métive are helping build meaningful bridges between the two countries, fostering dialogue and increasing the visibility of the richness and diversity of contemporary Rwandan artistic creation in Europe.
This article was written by Manzi Mbaya Abdoul Hakim for the Institut français de Kigali.