The third edition of the Mauritius International Art Fair (MIAF) is underway, but this time, it marks a pivotal transition. Instead of an annual event, MIAF has embraced a new triennial format, expanding its horizons to encompass not only Mauritius but also neighboring islands in the Indian Ocean.
Under the theme “Embracing our Past – Enlightening our Future,” MIAF kicked off at the Vivea Business Park in Moka Smart City, ushering in a transformative era for the art fair. Zaahirah Muthy, the director of MIAF and founder of its Dubai organizing body, ZeeArts, expressed her vision for the future of the fair. She stated, “We have Madagascar, Seychelles, Reunion Island, as well as Comoros. I would like to welcome them to join forces and grow as a full ecosystem. We want to do a triennial, where we will tour between the five islands, not just Mauritius.”
While Mauritius is globally renowned for its stunning landscapes and as a tourist hotspot, Muthy emphasized the rich cultural heritage and artistic talent present in the country. She aims to use MIAF as a vehicle to introduce international audiences to Mauritius’s cultural treasures. The transition to a triennial format, involving the participation of neighboring islands, aligns with this mission to promote the entire Indian Ocean region’s cultural diversity.
MIAF’s vernissage saw the transformation of the Vivea Business Park into a vibrant hub of creativity. Traditional Mauritian dancers performing the sega dance led a procession, setting the stage for the diverse and inspiring artworks on display in the fair’s three pavilions. The exhibition features over 100 artworks by artists from more than 30 countries.
Ghanaian artist Stephen Abban Junior’s “Sika Dwa Kofi” opened the exhibition with a powerful message, depicting a child challenging a soldier with the assistance of birds. Aungnoo Chiranjiv Mahesh Kumar from Mauritius presented “fotografi,” a unique illuminated film roll composed of pointillistic portraits of Mauritians.
Local artist Jaikel Galante delved into Mauritius’s history with a sculpture made of concrete, bicycle chains, and iron, reflecting on the island’s history of slavery. Seychellois artist Zelime Juliette Marie-Cecile presented a captivating photographic collage featuring indigenous flora from Seychelles and a futuristic spaceship, inviting viewers to explore its hidden depths with phone touch lights.
Trivy Daniel from Reunion Island captured hope for the future in “Flying to the Moon,” portraying the rebirth of the extinct Dodo bird. Max Andre from Rodrigues Island presented “From the Source,” a vivid oil painting celebrating the women involved in octopus fishing.
While MIAF prominently showcases art from Mauritius and its neighboring islands, it also includes works from around the world, promoting a global exchange of creativity.
Beyond the art exhibitions, MIAF is dedicated to honoring legacy artists in Mauritian culture and fostering the next generation’s artistic development. The fair also features a conference segment focused on the economic potential of the creative sector, with contributions from local and international experts.
Notably, MIAF’s “Little Picasso” program aims to uplift children from impoverished communities in Mauritius by offering art workshops and meals. Founder Zaahirah Muthy hopes that this initiative, along with MIAF’s broader mission, will inspire the government to further support the local creative economy.
As MIAF unfolds in its new triennial format, it promises to not only elevate Mauritius’s cultural profile but also unite the diverse artistic voices of the Indian Ocean region, fostering creativity and collaboration across borders.