Biennale des Arts in Venice – Seychelles Minister St.Ange receives copy of limited edition pavilion book by artists Leon Radegonde & George Camille as he opened the exhibition
ATP- arab tourism portal- The participation by Seychelles at the Biennale des Arts in Venice Italy is the first showing of Seychellois Artists at this 56th International Art Exhibition and it is the culmination of a great deal of support, passion for, and faith in the viability of such an unprecedented project. The artists George Camille and Leon Radegonde were supported by the seychelles Art Projects Foundation. These words are echoed in one way or another in the official book launched as Minister Alain St.Ange, the seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture officially opened the seychelles pavilion at this year’s Biennale.
The Seychelles Pavilion Curators Sarah J. McDonald and Victor Schaub Wong said in their Curators Notes that presenting contemporary art from such a bantam country as the Seychelles may appear to be quite an obscure vision to realize. "The Venice Biennale has the roar of a lion to contend with while here we are, the tiny island with a distant view on the horizon, with a voice that years to be heard. Every country warrants a respondent voice to the lion. It is our attempt to get beyond the stereotyped perception of a tourist paradise. Two distinctive voices are juxtaposed in this exhibition, thereby creating a dialogue that addresses contemporary issues of identity, economic poles and environmental impact. Entitled A Clockwork Sunset, the postcard image of palm tree lined sandy beaches is challenged by its flip side. The text side of a postcard is rarely read by the accidental tourist. The artists works are imbued and informed by this text" they said.
Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture said when he opened the Seychelles Pavilion at the Biennale des Arts 2015 in Venice that when one hears the name Seychelles, the first thing that comes to mind is the beauty of these paradise islands. "Everyone is immediately reminded of the white sandy beaches that are clean, and everyone is reminded of the turquoise blue seas that are clear and clean and warm year round. Everyone is also reminded of the nature of the Seychelles that has been so well protected for all to come to see and appreciate. Today we are all gathered to see our local artists showcase to the world at large the culture of our islands, the culture that makes the seychelles what they are" Minister St.Ange said in the presence of Ilaria Isola of the Arterial Network Seychelles.
The Seychelles Minister thanked everyone who travelled far and wide to be at the official opening of the Seychelles Pavilion of the 2015 Biennale in Venice. After his address, George Camille and Leon Radegonde presented Minister Alain St.Ange with a copy of the limited edition commemorative book by George Camille and Leon Radegonde.