Giant tortoises being prepped for 57th Venice Biennale |12 April 2017

Sixteen Seychellois artists will have their life sized sculptures of giant tortoises displayed in this year’s Venice Biennale under the Seychelles national pavilion, for the second time.

The artists were adding the final touches and varnish to their giant tortoises during the week at the Eden Art Space, Eden Plaza where they are being exhibited before they are carefully crated and flown to Italy on board Air Seychelles on Good Friday.

Present to observe the artists at work were the chief executive (CEO) of the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) Sherin Francis along with other representatives of sponsors of the project and family members of the artists.

Each artist involved in the project has individualised their tortoise in a unique way. Some have added extraordinary accessories, for example huge wings spring from the top of artist Christine Harter's creation while others have opted to use the tortoise as a canvas to show aspects of Seychelles life and culture, as in Marc Luc's homage to jazz music 'Make a Jazz Noise Here'.

In other cases, the tortoise can be seen as an extension of the artists' signature style for example with the work by Colbert Nourrice there are frenzied hieroglyphics which originally established his reputation.

The stylistic origins of Alcide Libanotis' tortoise could also be seen through the deft portraiture features for which the artist is rightly celebrated, and the wire, bent and twisted into recognisable forms which embellishes the carapace of George Camille's tortoise who created the original artwork.

Alyssa Adams and Tristan Adams have synthesised their high regard for the natural environment with an eclectic painterly style to create sculptures which both represent and transcend their source and inspiration.

The other artists are Christine Chetty-Payet, Zoe Chong-Seng, Charles Dodo, Nigel Henri, Daniel Dodin, Leon Radegonde, Allen Ernesta, Danny Sopha and Egbert Marday.

The exhibition has been commissioned by the Seychelles government under the principal secretary for culture Benjamine Rose, holding commissioner responsibility, and curated by Martin Kennedy.

Mrs Francis said each exquisite sculpture deserves appreciation.

“It reminds us that although we have the best sea, sand and sun what sets us apart from other destinations is our colours, the vibrancy of our people and the flavours we have in Seychelles and it is what I see reflected in most pieces of the artwork,” she said.

Mr Camille said instead of keeping the parade here, they decided to bring it to Venice to convey their message of what Seychelles is about which entails the culture, environment and the people.

“It was the perfect opportunity to showcase as many artists as possible which is very good for exposure and we hope to be part of the biennale project next year,” he said. 

Mr Kennedy said Seychelles is very fortunate to have 16 artists chosen for this year’s biennale.

He said the project would not have been realised without the synergy of local organisations to which they convey the deepest gratitude.

Those involved in the project are from STB and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, European Cultural Centre, Global Art Affairs Foundation, Seychelles Tourism Board (STB), Arterial Network Seychelles, H Resort, National Arts Council (Nac), Air Seychelles, Four Seasons Resort Seychelles, Kreolor, Sun Motors, Hunt, Deltel & Co. Ltd, Le Chantier Dental Clinic and Red Coral.