Artist Christine Reginald showcases her African inspired artifacts |26 May 2021

In commemoration of the International Africa Day, an important event for the culture of Seychelles, the National Arts Council (NAC) hosted an exhibition featuring the African inspired works of Christine Reginald.

These artifacts are being displayed at the Carrefour des Arts gallery.

The exhibition comprises garments – dresses, shirts, pants and pareos – that Ms Reginald designed and sewed herself; shoes, purses and even earrings to which she gave a new face with African print material.

Most of the clothes on display had already been created by the talented seamstress, but she needed to increase production since she had limited stocks left. The other items such as the purses she designed especially for this event, which took her three months.

The artist, aged 42, had previously participated in fashion shows regionally, even in Africa, and in 2017 she took part in a local competition organised by SBC – ‘Stilis Mode’.

It is clear that Ms Reginald puts emphasis on recycling in her work as she uses recycled materials to make her creations.

“Some things are still useable but have lost their beauty and look worn, so I use these old accessories that people would be throwing away and cover them with bits of material left over to give them a new face,” she explained.

She also expressed the value Africa has to her and how this has inspired her work.

“Africa has enormous value to me; I love African countries, our hair, our skin tone and our culture. In my opinion Africa is the richest continent. Since here in Seychelles we mostly follow European styles and trends, I thought why not encourage Seychellois to embrace our African heritage and African values which is why I am so glad that NAC has given me this opportunity,” Ms Reginald proudly stated.

Arts development officer Joenise Juliette was the one who officially opened the exhibition, which will stay on display at the Carrefour des Arts to the general public for the next three weeks.

She invited all to come view the work of Ms Reginald which are also available for purchase.

Ms Juliette took the opportunity to encourage other artists to come showcase their work, assuring them that the door of the National Arts Council is always open for them.

The accompanying photos show some of the artifacts on display in the exhibition.

Iza Amade