Aparté No 2 | Page 78

Evan Sohun
Photography , in tune with the times
Agir

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Where to begin ? ABCs for the dilettante art lover .
Dive in . Take every opportunity to hone your eye for art . “ You need to follow exhibitions , dedicated platforms , programmes like ‘ Entre les lignes ’ on MBC , ‘ happenings ’ like the Isla Social Club , and read print media . Social networking sites can be tricky , as you run the risk of seeing the same thing over and over again because of the algorithms ,” says Charlie .
Be daring . There ’ s nothing like going out and seeing what ’ s being done ! “ You can scout around on social networks , but that ’ s hardly a substitute for seeing the real thing ,” Charlie continues . For Gaëlle , who is also a professional photographer , there ’ s nothing like seeing the work in person . “ Scrolling is all very well , but when you ’ ve seen the work through to the final product , when the photograph has been properly printed and framed , that ’ s something else altogether ,” she says .
Photography is gaining in popularity as a form of artistic expression in its own right . In Mauritius , the craze is real – for locals and tourists alike . “ The art of photography has come a long way in Mauritius . Previously , photographers stuck with what they thought tourists saw of the island . Now , they tell a different story and focus on various themes , approached with more creative freedom , personal feeling , and emotion ,” explains Gaëlle .
The increased popularity of black and white shots – a daring choice in the context of an island renowned for its vivid colours – or more personal shots , which plunge straight into the raw soul of Mauritius , speaks for itself . As photographs can be reproduced , they are printed in limited editions , making them more accessible and affordable . “ Each work is numbered by hand , so the art lover goes home with a specific work , not an industrial photograph ,” Gaëlle concludes .

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Frame it . Set a budget – or not ! “ You can start with posters , reproductions , watercolours or smaller , more affordable works ,” explains Pascal . For Gaëlle , it ’ s important not to rule out the “ madness ” of love at first sight . “ Madness is magnificent and important . For an artist , it ’ s wonderful when someone has a crush on their work , and we can often find ways to make it easier to make the purchase ,” she says . There are other alternatives for those on a tight budget : “ Why not take advantage of a birthday or anniversary to ask your guests to donate a piece of art together , or support a young artist ?” suggests Charlie .
Despite these rules , when it comes down to it , the three gallery owners agree that investing in a work is first and foremost a question of emotion . “ Each work awakens a particular feeling in a given person . That ’ s what you have to bank on : falling in love ,” concludes Pascal .
Artistes à suivre
Trending artists
Pascal top # 5 Siddick Nuckcheddy , Khalid Nazroo , Simon Back , Ennri Kums & Arvin Ombika
Charlie top # 5 Evan Sohun , Raymond Levantard , David Constantin , Jocelyn Thomasse & Fabien Cango
Gaëlle top # 5 Raoul Rampare , Keivan Cadinouche Laurent de Froberville , Salman & Shirin Gunny
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