Seychelles Biennale of Contemporary Art 2022 to be held from July 31 to August 28

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Seychelles Biennale of Contemporary Art 2022 to be held from July 31 to August 28
Seychelles Biennale of Contemporary Art 2022 to be held from July 31 to August 28

Africa-Press – Seychelles. The Seychelles Biennale of Contemporary Art 2022 will be held from July 31 to August 28.

An initiative of the National Arts and Crafts Council of Seychelles (NACC), the biggest art manifestation was officially launched by the organising committee during a meeting with the local press on June 17.

The committee is made up of the chief executive of the NACC Jimmy Savy, the curator Martin Kennedy, co-curator Vivienne Croisée and head of jury, well known Seychellois artist and winner of the 2017 biennale Georges Camille.

The last art biennale organised here was in 2017.

The official opening ceremony of the biggest art manifestation will take place at the Seychelles Chinese Cultural Centre while the closing ceremony and prize-giving will be held at the National Theatre.

The biennale will bring together 44 artists from 19 different countries including Seychelles where 18 Seychellois artists will be taking part. They are Egbert Marday, Ryan Chetty, Marc Luc, Christine Chetty, Karyn Zialor, Allen Commettant, Michelle Griffiths, Daniel Dodin, Barry Gertrude, Juliette Zelime (JADEZ), Sheila Markham, Doris Nourrice, Jude Ally, Justin Reddy, Zoe Chong-Seng, Leon Radegonde, Mona Camille, Danielle Freakley.

The biennale will be extended to Praslin with two international artists exhibiting there at the Lemuria Resort and one at Le Laurier.

Prizes will be awarded to the most outstanding artworks with the first prize being R120,000, the second prize is valued at R60,000 and a special prize of R30,000 will be awarded to the best emerging/developing artist.

The artworks will comprise of paintings and drawings, sculptures, assemblages, installations, photography, performance art, video, interactive art…

The main exhibition venues will be the Seychelles Chinese Cultural Centre (Chinese Pagoda) on Market Street while other venues are the Carrefour des Arts Gallery, National History Museum, Eden Arts Space and Kenwyn House. The last two will be used for side shows.

“The main objective of having a biennale is to showcase art in the country in all its forms, provide a platform for cultural exchange, for artists to measure their skills, talents and quality of their work with those of their international counterparts from the region and other parts of the world,” Mr Savy explained.

He is encouraging members of the public to come and enjoy and appreciate the different artworks.

He further added that a biennale is the highest visual arts manifestation that the country organises.

The theme of the biennale is ‘Lost and Found’. Mr Kennedy explained that it was decided on during 2019 at the peak of Covid-19 at a time when some of us lost our lives and we also lost our life styles with the lock down measures but now we are beginning to find ourselves again.

“The biennale will contribute significantly to the development of culture in Seychelles with a focus on fine art. Other than showcase their work, the artists will also share experience, interact and learn from one another. It will also be a great attraction and entertainment for visitors,” Mr Kennedy remarked.

He affirmed that a biennale should also provoke conversations, discussions and even disagreements as well as be inspirational as people after viewing the art works should feel that they have been affected by what they have seen.

“This should perhaps be in two main ways – seeing art that confirms a view they already hold about life, about themselves or one that challenges that and provides a new perspective because I believe that art can do both. It can create a sense of resonance as well as a sense of fresh understanding and innovation,” Mr Kennedy shared.

He went on to add that the biennale will help both Seychellois and foreign artists to develop their work further in more imaginative and impactful ways.

He has called on all the schools to organise visits to the biennale “because we need to inspire young Seychellois to consider fine art, visual art as a possible area for further studies, a potential profession or simply something that would help them make sense of their lives and the world in general as they move forward to become good citizens”.

How were the artists taking part in the biennale chosen? In keeping with international best practices, Mr Kennedy said they launched an open call through other arts councils and numerous applications were received and the artists were invited to submit samples of their work and concept notes and on the strength of their portfolio it was decided who would take part.

“It will be unlike anything organised before and it’s right and proper that Seychelles organises something at this level and matches international best practice, Mr Kennedy remarked.

A panel of five judges – three local and two international led by chief judge Georges Camille – will decide on and choose the winners.

Mr Camille said it was an easy decision to make when he was presented with the proposition because he had already decided not to take part in the 2022 biennale.

“With all my experience as an artist and after participating in different biennales around the world I feel I am in a position to work well with the other members of the jury,” Mr Camille noted.

The government is contributing R800,000 in the organisation of the biennale while several other sponsors have come forward to make their contributions.

Mr Kennedy has taken the opportunity to extend the organising committee’s gratitude to all the different sponsors for their generous contributions.

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