Sylvius Laporte presents ‘The Beginning’ |26 August 2023

Sylvius Laporte, a young emerging artist hailing from Anse Royale, recently presented his first solo exhibition dubbed ‘The Beginning’.

The vernissage at laïla Resort in Anse Royale, was in the presence of family members and friends of the artist, who recently graduated from the Seychelles Institute of Art and Design (SIAD).

Twelve of his paintings feature in the exhibition.

“My portfolio is a representation of artworks, showcasing a variety of techniques and subject matter. I always try to focus on my dream, which is to develop my skills in art and design. I always aim to make my artworks speak for themselves, and they are based on realistic situations that people go through,” shared Sylvius.

The artist said he was thrilled to have his first ever exhibition in a hotel. “My passion for art started when I was eight years old when I saw my primary teacher painting in realistic style. I was impressed by the way she was mixing colours together, to get the right hues and tones to interpret different subject of art. This was magical for me, and so I started to take paint and try to create the magic for myself. Since then I developed a passion for painting that is too intense and complex to explain.”

Growing up, art became a tool that he used to express himself. He enjoys drawing and painting human figures, portraiture, landscapes and still life. “As I paint and draw, I try to relate these things to situations that people go through in their everyday life. My ideas come from them, they inspire me to make my art and for me to let other people know about it and the various emotions behind them.”

Now the young artist is heading to China to follow a five-year course for a Bachelor in Fine Art at the Central Academy in Fine Art. “’The Beginning’ suits me well as it is the first time I am leaving the country and I am looking forward to this new adventure. Art can change the society and in order to have a brilliant future in Seychelles, you need to know what and how to make use of the art,” shared Sylvius.

Having laïla Resort host the exhibition was one of his dreams.

“While going to school, I witnessed the construction of the hotel and always wanted to hold my first exhibition there. When I approached the hotel, I was delighted to receive a positive nod,” shared the young artist.

His advice to his peers is to “always remember where they come from and where are they heading. Never believe that you are being left behind and find the courage in yourself to be positive and always put God in your life.”

Seychelles NATION wishes the young artist all the best in his studies.

Vidya Gappy

Photos: Contributed