Exhibition
17 January 2019 to 15 April 2019
Transitions
with the support of:
“Depuis plus de quarante ans, le photographe Samuel Fosso se focalise sur un sujet : lui-même. C’est en ouvrant son premier studio à Bangui en septembre1975 que Samuel Fosso débute sa collection de self-portraits. Les fins de pellicule ne devaient pas se perdre! Il se met alors en scène en s’inspirant des looks du chanteur compositeur Nico Mbarga, de Fela Kuti pour la touche politique, ou d’icônes afro-américaines. Le tout à grand renfort de lunettes de soleil, de maillots de bain et d’habits confectionnés sur mesure.
Ses images expérimentales sont restées privées jusqu’en 1994, date à laquelle Samuel Fosso participe alors à la première édition de la Biennale de Bamako et choisit de les montrer. Depuis, il décline en série l’art de l’autoportrait. “Tati” (1997) explore les archétypes des vedettes, des hommes d’affaires ou encore de la femme bourgeoise. “African spirits” (2008) donne à montrer les personnages qui ont marqué l’histoire des Noirs en Afrique et en Amérique.”
(extrait catalogue “SIXSIXSIX Series”, Samuel Fosso, National Portrait Galery, 2016)
Mauritius previously known as “the star and key of the Indian Ocean”
today
Mauritius as “cultural weaver” of the Indian Ocean
Mauritius is the geographical center of the Indian Ocean. For centuries, we have been on the trade routes that were the forerunners to the bonds that are now being forged today between India, China and Africa which re-establish the Indian Ocean as a major economic zone.
With artists working with the diversity and peaceful co-existence of the different cultures in Mauritius, to weave a new understanding and new connectivity between the various regions of the Indian Ocean. In this way Mauritius again becomes the nucleus of the region and allows for the generation of new ideas and understanding of related cultures.
Artistic education is fundamental in the nurturing of the senses yet it is often seen as of secondary importance. Through the interaction with contemporary artists and curators from different cultures of the Indian Ocean region, the children of Mauritius will gain awareness of artistic imagination and see the possibility of pursuing some form of artistic profession.
This emphasis on the artistic development of the island will in time lead to the economic development of Mauritius and the region.
Map of Mauritius, c.1700
Press
Contact us
Institute of Contemporary Art Indian Ocean
51 Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam street
Port Louis 11328,
Mauritius