Victoria, Seychelles—A total of 61 young artists from Seychelles have showcased their work in the Zenn Artis Kreolofonn competition, an annual event held during the Creole Festival to feature the talents of youths aged between 14 and 21. This year’s theme centers on traditional fashion styles of Seychelles, employing materials found locally in the environment.
According to a news release by the Seychelles News Agencythe local arts authority plans to involve international participants in the next year’s edition of the competition. Norifa Accouche, the arts development officer at NACC, confirmed that efforts are underway to reinvigorate the event by inviting young artists from the region, harking back to the competition’s roots.
The announcement came after the prize-giving ceremony at the Carrefour des Arts on the main island of Mahe. Accouche revealed that the competition this year attracted 61 entries, including participants from visual arts workshops that NACC hosts during school holidays. Additionally, the competition now includes other forms of art. “We have also included those who do artisanal arts so that members of the public can view them,” Accouche stated.
This year’s competition was assessed by a jury of three members. Schools were informed in advance about this year’s theme, enabling them to prepare their students for the event.
The entries are currently displayed in a public exhibition at the Carrefour des Arts in Victoria. The exhibition is open from 8.30 am to 3.30 pm and will run for the next three weeks.
Jessica Marie from Praslin Secondary School, the winner in the 14-17-year-old category, said her work drew inspiration from various sources including visits to people when she was younger and to museums. Marie’s work features a patchwork outfit, reminiscent of the quilts found at her grandparents’ home.
In the 18-21-year-old category, the winner was Sheryl Confiance, a student from the Seychelles Institute of Art and Design. Her outfit was crafted using coconut and banana leaves. “I chose these materials as I feel they are easy to work with when making clothes,” Confiance noted.
The Creole Festival continues with multiple activities scheduled to run until October 31.