Christian Mbanza, also known as ‘Chris Schwagga’, is a Rwandan-based artist, born in Burundi and raised in Congo, who started his journey with art in 2005 with a two-megapixel point-and-shoot camera. His inspiration comes from people, travels, and elements of the cultures of the countries he moves between. He has since worked in Bujumbura, Kigali, and Hamburg.

Curiosity is what drives Chris’s work. Paired with his passion for design, this inspired him to explore and experiment with different mediums, disciplines, and materials beyond photography to express himself in a way that connects with people and tells unique stories. Chris has experimented with sculptures, installations, and costumes, which have been featured in African and European exhibitions.

Chris is dedicated to collaborating with different creative community members to bring his concepts to life. He has worked with a growing network of photographers, painters, carpenters, welders, fashion designers, and many more, creating a space where knowledge, tools, and materials can easily be shared. This allows him to learn, experiment, and refine his craft continuously.

Chris plans to expand his art portfolio by exploring more with technology and other tools to create more interactive and virtual installations soon.

Email: chris.schwagga@gmail.com