Art gallery Mauritius contemporary African art

Nestled in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius has long been celebrated for its pristine beaches and lush landscapes, but beneath this tropical paradise lies a vibrant cultural ecosystem that positions the island as a significant player in the contemporary African art scene. This multicultural nation, with its complex history of colonization, indentured labor, and creolization, has developed a unique artistic voice that bridges African, Asian, and European influences. While the international art world has only recently begun to recognize Mauritius as a center for contemporary African art, the island’s galleries, artists, and institutions have been quietly cultivating a thriving creative community that both honors tradition and embraces innovative expression. The contemporary art scene here offers a fascinating microcosm of broader African artistic trends while maintaining its distinctive island character.

Historical Context: From Colonial Imitation to Post-Colonial Expression

The development of contemporary Mauritian art reflects the island’s complex historical journey. As noted in historical surveys, Mauritian painting initially fell “squarely within European traditions” during periods of French colonization and influence . The question of whether there existed such a thing as “un art mauricien” (Mauritian art) preoccupied earlier generations of artists and critics . This artistic journey mirrors the broader trajectory of post-colonial identity formation seen across the African continent, where artists have moved from mimicking colonial styles toward developing authentic modes of expression that reflect their unique cultural realities.

The emergence of a distinctive Mauritian artistic identity gained momentum throughout the 20th century. Pioneering artists like Max Boullé, Gaëtan de Rosnay, and Marcel Lagesse began incorporating local themes and landscapes into their work, followed by later generations including Hervé Masson, Serge Constantin, and Malcolm de Chazal who further developed a creolized aesthetic . This evolution parallels developments across Africa where artists have negotiated the tension between “tradition-inspired” work and “modernist” trends . The contemporary art scene in Mauritius today represents a synthesis of these historical influences with global contemporary practices, creating what scholars might categorize as falling within the “third epistemological space” that contemporary African art strategically inhabits .

The Gallery Landscape: Platforms for Creative Expression

Mauritius boasts an impressive array of art galleries that showcase both local talent and international contemporary African artists, each with its distinctive focus and aesthetic:

Table: Major Art Galleries in Mauritius

The Blue Penny Museum, while primarily known for its historical collections including the world-renowned Post Office stamps, also functions as a museum of African modern art with strict preservation policies—the precious stamps are illuminated only briefly to prevent damage . Meanwhile, galleries like Partage (founded by artist Krishna Luchoomun) emphasize cultural sharing and exchange, representing the ethos of its name which translates to “sharing” from French . The gallery operates within a house where each room explores different themes, from contemporary art to commercial art and landscapes, including homages to old masters like Rembrandt and local motifs like the dodo .

At the forefront of the contemporary scene is the Institute of Contemporary Art Indian Ocean (ICAIO), established in 2015 by multidisciplinary artist Salim Currimjee. This institution serves as a vital platform for art education and maintaining cultural diversity in Mauritius, hosting four major exhibitions annually that each last approximately three months . Other significant spaces include Galerie du Moulin Cassé, located in a restored sugar mill and featuring both permanent collections and rotating exhibitions, and 3A The Excellence of Art, the first international contemporary art gallery in Mauritius .

Prominent Artists and Their Contributions

Mauritian artists today are creating works that engage with both local concerns and global discourses, positioning themselves within the broader context of contemporary African art:

The late Malcolm de Chazal (1902-1982) remains an influential figure whose vibrant paintings continue to be celebrated in permanent exhibitions at venues like Galerie du Moulin Cassé . His work exemplifies the unique synthesis of Mauritian sensibilities with universal themes that characterizes much of the island’s best art.

Contemporary artists like Krishna Luchoomun (founder of Partage Gallery) have gained international recognition while maintaining deep roots in the local community. Luchoomun also serves as president of Partage, a Mauritian artist association integrated into the Triangle Arts Trust, an international organization that brings together artists from around the world to expand creative boundaries .

Other significant figures include Chayetan Seebaluck, owner and founder of the Seebaluck Art Gallery, whose works reflect the diversity of Mauritius through a mix of different mediums, styles, and influences . Artists such as Elizabeth De Marcy Chelin, Gaël Froget, Khalid Nazroo, and Vincent Montocchio contribute to a vibrant landscape that explores themes of creolization, identity, and historical memory .

The younger generation of digital artists is also beginning to gain recognition, following trends across Africa where digital art has been defined as “artistic work or practice that uses digital technologies as an essential part of the creative and/or presentation, dissemination and exhibition process” . While the search results don’t name specific Mauritian digital artists, the medium is undoubtedly part of the island’s contemporary art landscape.

Curatorial Themes and Artistic Concerns

Mauritian contemporary art engages with several pressing themes that resonate across the African continent and diaspora:

1. Identity and Hybridity

The complex identity of Mauritius—with its mixture of African, Asian, European, and creole influences—provides rich material for artistic exploration. This mirrors broader concerns in contemporary African art where artists examine “hybrid national identity formed under the influence of colonial powers” . Mauritian artists grapple with questions of belonging, heritage, and cultural synthesis in their work.

2. Historical Reckoning

Many artists engage with the island’s history of colonization, slavery, and indentured labor, creating works that serve as forms of historical correction and memory work. This aligns with trends across contemporary African art where artists create works that function as “Archive, document, memory” . The tragic yet beautiful story of the legendary couple Paul and Virginie—featured at the Blue Penny Museum—represents one such engagement with historical narrative .

3. Environmental Concerns

As an island nation, Mauritius faces particular environmental vulnerabilities, which artists often address in their work. The Mauritius Glass Gallery represents an interesting example of art addressing ecological issues—founded in 1991 by a beverage company with the aim of repurposing glass waste into artistic creations .

4. Globalization and Connectivity

Mauritian artists increasingly engage with global networks while maintaining local relevance. Initiatives like Sensul, an online art gallery mentioned in the search results, aim to bridge the gap between African artists and the global art scene by “leveraging technology to create an accessible online platform where collectors can explore and purchase art” . This represents the growing trend of African artists and galleries using digital tools to reach international audiences.

International Connections and Art Fairs

Mauritius’s contemporary art scene does not exist in isolation but connects to broader international circuits. The inclusion of Mauritius in the Venice Biennale in 2015 signaled the island’s growing presence on the global contemporary art stage . Additionally, art fairs like the 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair—with editions in London and New York—have included galleries representing African artists, though Mauritian galleries specifically are not mentioned in the available search results .

South Africa-based artist Deborah Poynton, who has exhibited in Mauritius among other global locations, represents the kind of international exchange that characterizes the contemporary art world . Her approach—which she terms “invention realism”—involves collecting “references from different surroundings to create her own setting on the canvas” —a method that resonates with many Mauritian artists who similarly synthesize diverse influences.

Galleries like 3A The Excellence of Art bring international artists to Mauritian audiences, featuring works by Joseph K