Mauritius

Mauritius is very much on my mind these days. I visited the island with intense emotions a few weeks ago. First there was the high school reunion, which you can see on youtube thanks to Andy Wilkinson, our videographer extraordinaire ... This article in a Mauritian newspaper also sums up the wonderful time. It was so heart-warming to reconnect with school friends, and so awesome to go back in time, singing old songs, and feeling like a teenager all over again.

During my stay, I was lucky to meet a few talented artists, writers, and photographers who are changing the creative landscape of the island by sharing their giftedness with others. Their generosity and open-mindedness was inspiring.

Krishna Luchoomun, an accomplished visual artist who believes in bringing other artists together in non-conventional shows, put together a collective exhibition Art in the Forest by artists from countries along the Indian Ocean. It was a fascinating experience to walk through the damp forest, breathing in its earthy smell, and discovering a tree resplendent in aluminum foil, sleeping beauty waiting in her white bed, fat dodo birds gazing at us ... Ahhh conceptual art ... how it tickles our senses and imagination.

Barlen Pyamootoo, a brilliant writer who obtained the French literary prize, Prix du Roman Francophone for his book Benares, also directed a movie from the same book, that was featured at TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) in 2005. This author believes in sharing his love of literature with aspiring writers on the island, and created L’atelier de l’Ecriture, a series of workshops which culminates in an annual publication of the best work from these students. What incredible opportunities this dedicated teacher provides for the future generation of Mauritian writers.

Jameel Peerally, an outstanding photographer and teacher who kindly let me accompany him during some of his photography outings with his students, directs his discerning eyes not only to photography but to social justice. His photography book titled Chagossians orphans of the world, shows the plight of this nation's forced exile by the British to make way for an American military base. He is currently having a group exhibition titled In Focus to show the excellent work of his students. He is also spearheading a youth movement to protest the current state of affairs on the island, which you can read in more details in this manifesto. Sending him my support for a peaceful march and hope the movement will achieve positive changes for the island.

And last but not least, I'm preparing for a photography show on Mauritius in October at Galerie Pierre Léon at Alliance Française de Toronto. A bit overwhelmed lately by Mauritius, that tiny precious island in the Indian Ocean. Will post more info about the show soon.