When I was in Mauritius this year I came across some pieces of art in the capital Port Louis. Some I haven't seen before. Others I saw last time I was here in December 2017 when the city of Port Louis arranged the 3rd edition of the cultural festival - Porlwi by Nature. The street art activity really escalated during this festival. So many more murals appeared. The best thing about being there during the festival, was the possibility to watch the artists at work daytime and nighttime, following the development of the murals. When I was back in May this year, I went to see one of the murals which wasn't finished when I left in 2017. I also saw one I thought was finished. I got a surprise. It was the other way round!
This is one of the large murals painted during the festival. I saw the artist at work when he was painting the head. The parking lot where this is, was one of the first places I went to in Port Louis. I was keen on seeing it finished. I got a surprise! It was excactly as when I left.
The theme of the 3rd edition in 2017 was NATURE – the desire was to reconnect with the land and integrate with nature. Port Louis turned into a greener city. During the festival the inner city was full of life. People were out in the streets until midnight, watching light shows, street artist at work, music and dance performances, eating street food etc. Art in all forms reflected nature as the theme of all art represented.
In 2017
This painting above is done by Joanna La Gesse during the Porlwi by Nature festival. The information besides her mural says: « She is inspired by the beauty and magic of Nature. Her mission is to awaken the public to this beauty and magic so that it creates a desire and responsibility to care for Mother Earth». For more information check: www.joannalagesse.com
2017
2019
I thought it was finished when I left Mauritius after the festival. But when I was back I accidently walked by and noticed it was not finished in 2017. Now the flowers has eyes and babies on the way.
The artist who painted this one is Andrea Wan, a visual artist and illustrator born in Hong Kong, raised in Vancover. I am not sure when she did this one, but I think it might have been here for some years. For more information check: www.andreawan.com
I came across this large colorful mural by accident. I haven’t seen it before but it is not new. It is signed by Mauritian artist Evan Sohun. He himself has said: « in my quest to steer away from from conformaity in the creation of characters, I have always tried to shape a world of my own». His murals are large, colorful with a lot of details and characteres. For more information check: www.evansohun.com
Also done by Evan Sohun
This cute little figure I found at an entrance gate to a house. Opposite the little figure a wall along a narrow street leading to a museum.
To be in Mauritius for the Porlwi by Nature was my best experience. It is free to attend and lasts a week-end. The intention is to advocate culture, but it also has a very strong educational component. It involves a lot of people, stimulating creativity and culture. To make the festival possible, artists of all kinds, architects, technicians, educators, designer etc., are gathered. Most of it happens in the streets. Exhibitions, shows, educational films, dancing performances et. But unfortunately I heard from locals that there isn’t any plans of arranging the festival again. The reason is that the organizers are not supported finansially. That I think is a shame. It's a great way to involve the youth of the island.
For more information about Porlwi by Nature, check: PORLWI BY NATURE – a cultural festival and a feast for the senses
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