Veteran and upcoming artists collaborate to host joint art exhibition |21 June 2021

Moncherry

The walls of the Carrefour des Arts arts gallery in Victoria presently bears testament of the perfect collaboration between veteran artist Nigel Henri and upcoming young blood in the business Terry Moncherry through a joint expo, officially opened on Tuesday last week.

The art exhibition showcasing 31 pieces was officially launched by local art collector Serge Robert and it coincided with Henri’s 54th birthday which was also on that day (June 15).

Known for his underwater-scape and market-scene paintings, veteran Henri said it is sort of a ritual for him to host a yearly expo and he is always passionate about it since it gives him the opportunity to create, while it brings new adventures into his life.

He further noted that it is an honour for him as a veteran artist to hold the hand and guide a newcomer into the world of art, since he also started little, before making a name for himself, both at local and international level.

As for Moncherry, his involvement in the expo and the chance to collaborate with Henri came as a blessing in disguise, since he did not plan it, but rather came as an opportunity due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Presently a student at the Nanjing University of Art in China, Moncherry is stuck home due to the pandemic and it was during the free time that he decided to pick up his paintbrush and start working.

As time passed, the artworks accumulated until he collected enough to partake in the exhibition alongside Henri.

Inspired by the environment, precisely landscape, Moncherry is determined to pursue his dream of becoming a professional artist.

The artworks at the exposition are on sale and the prices vary between R15,000 and R52,000.

Nigel Leonard Henri was born on June 15, 1967 and his artistic talents were from an early age where he was encouraged by his family members and teachers.

After leaving school he attended the Seychelles Polytechnic where he studied art and graphic design.

In 1989 he won a scholarship to study at the Sussex University in Brighton, England where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Education, specialising in arts.

Upon his return in 1992, he took up a post at the Seychelles Polytechnic, with the responsibility for the graphics department.

In 1999 he was transferred to the Ministry of Youth and Culture where he was responsible for the production department, creating publicity materials for every aspects of the ministry’s programme.

Throughout this period, he continued to paint, building his portfolio, exhibiting locally and internationally.

In 2002 he set up his own graphic design consultancy and from corporate to poster design, his creative solutions can be seen in a wide range of publicity materials across the country.

Most importantly, the freedom of self-employment has allowed him to realise his goal of spending more time on his art.

Terry Hendricks Moncherry was born on January 22, 1997 and studied at the Anse Etoile primary school where his interests in art began.

As a student, he did not take art seriously until his fourth year in secondary school after successfully passing his International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) exam where he got a B+ and was awarded the best student award.

He then moved to the School of Visual Arts where he successfully completed his Diploma in Art and Design where he was awarded the best student award three times in a row.

After completing his A-Level in arts he moved on to pursue his degree at the Nanjing University of Art in China where he is still studying.

Roland Duval

Photos: Thomas Meriton