German artist organises art exhibition for La Digue pupils |31 October 2015

Pupils of La Digue school will next week have the chance to showcase their artistic talents through an art exhibition thanks to the initiative of German artist Angelika Diehm.

Angelika, an abstract painter who paints in acrylic on canvas, fell in love with La Digue 15 years ago when she first visited the island with her family.

She has since then been visiting La Digue often and extended her stay to several weeks, staying in guesthouses as well as with friends she has made over the years.

It was in December last year that she came up with the idea for an art exhibition showcasing the artistic skills and talents of the pupils of the island whom she had befriended and also fallen in love with.

“I like the children of this island this is why I went to the school to talk to the head master,” Angelika said when she called at our office recently.

The exhibition, which will be held at Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie, will be officially opened on November 6 at 6.30pm and will be open for the general public from November 7 to November 17. It will consist of paintings and sculptures by the pupils themselves with the help of art teachers Dylan Owen and Jeva Pool.

“I am very glad that I got support from the school which firmly believes such a project will encourage more  pupils to develop their artistic skills and keep on practicing,” Angelika said.

Alongside the work of the pupils there will also be on display artwork by artist Tony Morel, Jeva Pool and Leon Bacco.
Angelika, a nature and art lover, travels the world to visit well known museums and artists to broaden her own artistic knowledge and enhance her skills.

But why choose La Digue?

“I like nature, the tranquility and the fact that one needs only a bike to go round because everything is so close. I enjoy the politeness, the warmth, friendliness of the Diguois and I like their easy-going and carefree ways,” Angelika said.

“Equally I adore the children and the youths with their shy sweet smiles and friendliness,” Angelika added.

In order to work with the pupils and their teachers to put together their collection for the exhibition Angelika, who works at the office of restoration and archeology of the German National Museum of Nuremburg, has taken five months off.

Apart from being an abstract painter Angelika also creates sculptures from papier maché, she writes poems and short stories based on life experiences.

While on holiday here Angelika also takes time to visit local artists. Recently she visited Michael Adams and Leon Radegonde whose works she says she admires.

Angelika avails of the opportunity to extend her gratitude to everyone who has supported her and her idea to put together the project.

The accompanying photos show Angelika with some of the pupils and samples of their artwor