Voice of the Ancestors |14 December 2023
Jano Danilo Albert
Jano Danilo Albert's artistic journey through Seychelles' heritage and history
Seychelles’ lineage and heritage are being showcased through a visual art exhibition titled ‘Voice of the Ancestors’ taking place at the Carrefour des Arts gallery in Victoria.
The exhibition by the National Arts and Crafts Council (NACC) is in collaboration with renowned local artist, Jano Danilo Albert.
Speaking to Seychelles NATION, Albert stated the theme and inspiration behind ‘Voice of the Ancestors’ is to explain the history behind Seychelles, the very essence of its existence and how it was discovered.
It captures the unique Seychellois music that existed during the 1700s, which was ‘moutya,’ used by the population to express themselves. Albert said he used that background in order to bring in the contemporary period.
Through this, the artist said he tried to express his subjects in the exhibition; the principal subject being the people themselves.
“I tried incorporating that in my paintings figuratively; landscapes and all the figurative things have to with the imagination,” he explained.
The research done for the exhibition has also been turned into an artistic image and incorporated into his final image, he said.
With regard to the NACC’s involvement, Albert said the collaboration related mostly to supply of material resources, the venue to exhibit the paintings and general support.
He expressed deep appreciation to the public for their response towards his works. According to him, the majority was surprised at the way the paintings were presented.
“Everybody sees the work on a canvas such as a rectangular one, but the round formation, not everyone saw it.”
He said he does not want to trademark anything, as he wants Seychelles’ art to evolve and invites other artists to follow the trend, if they wish to.
His creative technique includes memorising the subject that he wants to express and from then on, create a few sketches. He then chooses the strongest one and proceeds to do a colour sketch. In the exhibition itself, there is a portfolio that includes colour sketches.
The artist said he did not face many challenges throughout the process, except for his physical aspect, as he lives with a disability. It was hard painting while standing and all his work had to be done sitting down.
Albert’s passion for art started when he was 5, and his undeniable talents were noticed by his teachers while in first grade. Pushed by his teachers he decided to pursue a career in the field.
His message to the community is simple: never sit around waiting for sympathy, you need to accept the situation that you are in and let people help you out in any aspects of life.
“In any circumstances that you are in, let people help you!”
The artist has been confined to a wheelchair for over a decade due to a rare illness.
‘Voice of the ancestors’ opened on December 1, and can be viewed until January 15, 2024.
The accompanying photos show guests viewing the exhibition soon after its official launch.
Sunny Esparon
Photos by Louis Toussaint
