President receives art book from Arterial Network Seychelles |21 October 2017

Arterial Network Seychelles has had the honour to present President Danny Faure with his first gift of state for his second year as president.

It was George Camille, the chairman of the non-governmental organisation (NGO), who presented the book entitled ‘Art in Seychelles- Then and Now’ to the President.

Authored by Martin Kennedy, ‘Art in Seychelles’ is the first comprehensive visual arts book of its kind in the Seychelles.

Divided into two sections, it explores, among other things art and artists of the past that have left a footprint in Seychelles.

It is, in essence, a map of the cultural landscape of the Seychelles and acts as an archive to document where we have been and where we are now in relation to the visual arts.

“This is particularly important since we currently do not have an art museum,” Mr Camille told the press.

“Our aim was always to create an archival document, something which is admittedly a snapshot of how things are now because things will change very quickly. And we hope to make future editions where it will be updated and new artists coming into the book and perhaps older works moving out of the book,” Mr Kennedy offered on his part.

According to the author the book took about two years to complete and was a collaborative work between him and the local artists he interviewed. Hence the book features quotes and opinions of these artists in addition to Mr Kennedy’s reviews.

In total he was able to interview and feature 45 artists, from well known ones like Georges Camille to younger, budding artists.

Mr Kennedy further described the President’s reception of the book as one that was very enthusiastic and that the President was especially pleased that some of the books will be given free of charge to all schools.

“Obviously he hasn’t had the chance to sit down and look at it yet but I hope that when he does, he will approve of it, enjoy it and enthuse about it. He already said he would be giving the book with pride to foreign dignitaries.”

The book is expected to be sold at the Arterial Network’s Eden Art Space at Eden Island and, hopefully, in bookshops, hotels and airport duty free for an estimated cost 65€ (R1048).

All proceedings will help fund the NGO’s future projects.