Kaz Zanana hosts ‘Drift Apart – Come Together’ by George Camille   |18 December 2021

‘Drift Apart – Come Together’ by local seasoned visual artist George Camille is presently on exhibit at Kaz Zanana, showcasing the artist’s interpretation of human vulnerability against forces that are beyond our control.

The ‘Drift Apart – Come Together’ exhibition comprises large paintings alongside sequences sizeable modified etchings which collectively offer an expansive and coherent consolidation and extension of work featured in the artist’s 2019 presentation, entitled ‘Drift’.

A joint effort between Kaz Zanana and the Seychelles Arts Foundation, the exhibition was officially opened yesterday by President Wavel Ramkalawan, in the presence of First Lady Linda Ramkalawan; Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Sylvestre Radegonde; Minister for Local Government and Community Affairs, Rose-Marie Hoareau; Mayor of Victoria David Andre, who is also the secretary general of the Seychelles National Institute for Culture, Heritage & the Arts; members of the diplomatic corps, family and friends.

President Ramkalawan described the artist as an ambassador through his work which he said reflects and makes the country proud wherever exhibited.

Commenting on the theme, President Ramkalawan said it is very appropriate since it illustrates perfectly the actual situation where the Covid-19 pandemic has drifted us apart, while as a people, our wish is to come together.

According to the artist, through his work, he wanted to create the feeling of being helpless and powerless against forces that are beyond our control as humans.

He said the majority of these artworks grab and freeze considerable swathes of momentum, however there are also oases of calm, with a number of pictures possessing an almost meditative stillness – through which we receive a sense of quiet fortitude and, specifically, a harmonious equilibrium between humanity and nature.

Mr Camille further noted that the recent news that our ‘moutya’ has now become a Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage is indeed a proud moment for every Seychellois.

This, he said, shows that hard work and perseverance can reap reward.

The accompanying photographs show some highlights of the exhibition launch yesterday.

Roland Duval

Photos: Joena Meme