Mauritius: The President of the Republic of Mauritius, Prithvirajsing Roopun, launched, yesterday, at Lespas Lar in La Tour Koenig, an art exhibition cum sale of some 44 paintings and sculptures of local artists to mark World Art Day 2023.
The exhibition is being organised by the Nelson Mandela Centre for African Culture Trust Fund, under the aegis of the Ministry of Arts and Cultural Heritage, and the artist association, Action for Artistic Creativity (AAC). It is open to the public from 10:00 hrs to 16:00 hrs, on weekdays, from 18 to April 30 2023.
The Chairperson of the Nelson Mandela Centre for African Culture Trust Fund, Olivier Thomas, the Vice-Chairperson of AAC, Ravi Beekharry, and other personalities were also present at the launching ceremony.
In his address, President Roopun paid tribute to Mauritian artists who recently passed away and lauded their contribution throughout the years. He commended the AAC and the Nelson Mandela Centre for African Culture Trust Fund for constantly promoting art and enabling local artists to thrive.
President Roopun dwelt on several types of arts, such as paintings, sculptures, dance, music, and the cinema, which helped to convey emotions in people and to shape society. He moreover underscored that artists must constantly adapt to their evolving environment and develop their passion so as to remain competitive in today’s society.
As for Thomas, he underlined that World Art Day was an opportunity to reflect on the history and culture of a Mauritian Nation. He also remarked that art played an important role in one’s life and in shaping the country’s future.
For his part, Mr Beekharry commended the Ministry of Arts and Cultural Heritage for its support, through the Nelson Mandela Centre for African Culture Trust Fund, in the organisation of the event. “This exhibition,” he observed, “pays tribute to artists who have recently passed away.”
World Art Day
World Art Day is celebrated every year on April 15 as it was established at the 17th General Assembly of the International Association of Art in Guadalajara, Mexico. This particular date was chosen in honour of Leonardo da Vinci’s birthday, who is considered a symbol of free expression, multiculturalism, tolerance, and world peace and a visionary in the world of arts and other fields.
World Art Day is an international celebration of the fine arts and aims to promote awareness of creative activity worldwide. It also emphasises the importance of art in the lives of every person and helps the present and future generations grasp the importance that art has had on the world over the centuries.