Justin Reddy unveils country and western inspired exhibition |22 February 2024

Seychellois artist Justin Reddy has unveiled a solo exhibition at the Carrefour des Arts gallery, showcasing his love for country and western music through 26 captivating pieces.

Inspired by his deep connection to the genre, Mr Reddy's collection features iconic portraits and vibrant canvases that pay homage to the legends of country music.

Opening its doors on Friday February 9, the exhibition offers a unique glimpse into Mr Reddy's artistic journey, and his admiration for country and western culture.

"I decided to create the series because I enjoy listening to country and western music. I like these artists since they are very skilled, and as you know, we use various skills and techniques in art," he said, explaining the motivation behind the collection.

While the exhibition primarily celebrates the rich tapestry of country icons, Mr Reddy infuses personal touches into each artwork.

"Although these are not portraits of me, they represent things that I like. I have also added words, song lyrics to certain canvases, as I think they make sense, or reflect some of the things that I have experienced," Mr Reddy explained.

The collection fills a gap in Seychellois art, but also serves as a snapshot of his childhood years. Despite the tendency for local music artists to cover country hits, visual representations of these icons are yet to be produced until now.

"I thus jumped at the opportunity to create the collection," Mr Reddy remarked, emphasising the significance of country and western music in his upbringing, and Seychellois culture.

Among the portraits showcased, Mr Reddy highlights legends like Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Nana Mouskouri, and Emmylou Harris.

"The ladies I included because from the records that I have collected they were smiling and laughing, and since I wanted to use many colours, it matches well," he shared, reflecting on his choice of subjects.

Originally planned for December 2023, the exhibition's timing was strategically aligned with Valentine's Day by the National Arts and Crafts Council of Seychelles. Despite the tight schedule, Mr Reddy managed to complete the collection within a year, focusing primarily on vibrant colours rather than mixed media techniques.

Looking ahead, he envisions expanding his artistic repertoire with a second volume inspired by Reggae and Rastafarianism, signalling his continuous exploration of diverse musical influences. Additionally, he plans to establish his own gallery in the future, dedicated to showcasing his past works.

As the exhibition draws to a close on February 29, art enthusiasts have the opportunity to acquire the artworks, including the much appreciated charcoal portraits and a triptych featuring three portraits of Willie Nelson.

In concluding, Mr Reddy said he hopes his collection sparks dialogue about the direction of Seychellois art, advocating for more thought-provoking creations and greater support for local artists.

The accompanying photos were taken by Kurtrine Albert.

Laura Pillay