‘Art in Seychelles, Then and Now’ provides a unique overview of both contemporary art in Seychelles as well as exploring aspects of the history and development of visual art. It is an ideal companion for anyone with an interest in the art of Seychelles, whether visiting, studying or simply residing in Seychelles. It is a 256 page full colour assessment of contemporary art in Seychelles, supported by sections on the history and development of the visual arts which covers the period 1830 – 2000.
Seychellois artists force us to rethink our approach to art informed by the simple act of being in a tropical forest or walking through groves of pitcher plants. Archival art – work which records and celebrates old style domesticity – is an important niche area throughout the book. There is art which deals with the fast-vanishing lifestyle of the (quite recent) past : metal huts raised on bricks, washing clothes in the river, and sweeping – both inside and outside domiciles. Much figurative art which portrays this is sentimental, exuding a romantic nostalgia, something to cling onto and preserve albeit only as a memory against the demanding pressure of modern life.
Essentially, such a publication serves as a snapshot of the aesthetic landscape. Like technology, it is out of date on the day it is published, with featured work transcended by new material. However, as a map of the terrain during the period 2014 and 2017, when the principal interviews and principal photography took place, it attempts to be inclusive and representational of the artistic priorities of the nation’s protagonists.
