The third edition of the collective exhibition "Kontanporin" is currently underway at the Caudan Arts Centre in Mauritius, featuring 12 artists. The exhibition, which runs until October 14, 2026, showcases a diverse range of artistic expressions. According to Rishi Seeruttun, the curator, the selection process for the artists is rigorous, with a focus on individuals who consistently produce high-quality work and have a clear thematic direction.
This year's edition of "Kontanporin" features a mix of established and emerging artists, including four young talents. Audrey Albert's work explores the history of the Chagos Islands through a short film and photographs. Catherine Li's superpositions have earned her the Best Work Award at the 2026 Samudra Art Prize. Laëtitia McVeay's research focuses on biomatériaux, including charcoal, soil, and pigments.
The exhibition also features the work of Nirmal Hurry, who creates assemblages from found objects, and Devanand Bungshee, a sculptor known for his large-scale installations along the Mauritian coast. Bungshee's private collection, which he has been building for over 30 years, is also on display. Seeruttun emphasizes that the art on show is not just visually striking but also intellectually stimulating, with 80% of the creative process being philosophical and 20% visual.
The "Kontanporin" collective aims to challenge traditional notions of art and push boundaries. Seeruttun explains that the collective's goal is to demonstrate that there are alternative ways of creating and displaying art beyond the conventional methods of painting and hanging on walls. The exhibition features a range of mediums, including sculpture, installation, and multimedia works.
The collective's journey began with a dialogue between Seeruttun and the late Ismet Ganti, who left behind a vast collection of unpublished works. This legacy continues to inspire the collective, with Ganti's family allowing some of his works to be showcased this year. Seeruttun highlights the challenges faced by artists in Mauritius, including the lack of exhibition spaces and a national art gallery with a limited collection.
Looking ahead, the "Kontanporin" collective is in discussions with the Institut français de Maurice (IFM) to explore new opportunities. The collective's calendar is already filled with events, including masterclasses and roundtable discussions, scheduled for February to July 2027. Seeruttun emphasizes that the collective is not a static entity and is committed to evolving and pushing the boundaries of art in Mauritius.
The upcoming biennale, announced in the 2026-2027 budget, is also expected to provide a platform for Mauritian artists to showcase their work. Seeruttun welcomes this initiative, which he believes will provide a much-needed boost to the local art scene. As the "Kontanporin" collective continues to grow and evolve, it remains committed to showcasing diverse artistic expressions and challenging traditional notions of art.
Key points
- The third edition of "Kontanporin" features 12 artists showcasing diverse artistic expressions at the Caudan Arts Centre in Mauritius.
- The collective aims to challenge traditional notions of art and push boundaries through a range of mediums, including sculpture, installation, and multimedia works.
- The collective is in discussions with the Institut français de Maurice (IFM) to explore new opportunities and has a busy calendar of events planned for 2027.
