Taleyven Ramsamy, a 23-year-old from Beau-Bassin, Mauritius, has been passionate about art since his teenage years. Growing up in a modest family as an only son, he began working while still in school at St Mary's College in Rose-Hill. He created portraits and decorated structures, particularly for the Thaipoosam Cavadee celebrations, honoring the Hindu god Muruga. This early start not only earned him some income but also fueled his artistic growth.
Taleyven's artistic journey began in 2022 when he received some guidance from an acquaintance in Pointe-aux-Sables. However, he did not pursue any formal training. Instead, he learned through practice, experimentation, and self-directed learning. His curiosity was sparked by friends who worked with polystyrene, leading him to create his first sculpture of Ganesh, the Hindu deity associated with wisdom and prosperity, during the Maha Shivaratri celebrations.
In November 2025, Taleyven launched Golden Element, his enterprise offering customized decorations for various occasions such as prayers, weddings, and religious celebrations. With the help of his friends Shivam and Rahul, he transforms client ideas into three-dimensional artworks. The process involves sketching, discussing details, cutting, sculpting, and coloring the polystyrene. Each creation takes between a week and a month to complete, depending on complexity and detail.
Taleyven's work is largely focused on creating murthis, representations of Hindu deities for ceremonies. Notable projects include a Ganesh for Ganesh Chaturthi and a Muruga for Cavadees. One of his memorable projects was for the Mariammen temple in Ebène on May 17, 2026, where he sculpted Amman dancing with the Agni Shakthi, a symbol of divine power and energy. This project was particularly significant as it showcased his ability to bring intricate designs to life.
Currently, Taleyven is balancing his artistic pursuits with his studies in visual arts at the School of Fine Arts, Mahatma Gandhi Institute. He believes that art is not just an academic subject but a means of self-expression, learning, and gaining independence. For him, "art has no limits," and he strives to continually improve and innovate. Despite facing skepticism from some, Taleyven remains committed to his craft, letting his work speak for itself.
Taleyven's recent project, completed on September 19, was for the Govinden Tiruvizha, a sacred month of fasting, prayer, and devotion dedicated to Lord Krishna. The event took place at Rivière-du-Rempart, where he created a decoration dedicated to Mahavishnu, a major form of the Hindu god Vishnu. This project was a collaboration with Ganessen Govinden, who provided the initial idea that Taleyven then brought to life with his artistic vision.
Looking ahead, Taleyven aims to expand Golden Element, collaborating with hotels and undertaking larger creative projects, including wedding decorations and other significant events. He is committed to continually developing his skills and exploring new possibilities with polystyrene, a material he has grown to appreciate for its versatility and the unique artworks it allows him to create.
Key points
- Taleyven Ramsamy's journey as a young artist showcases his dedication to his craft and his ability to turn simple materials into meaningful art.
- Despite the challenges, Taleyven remains focused on his goals, continually striving to improve and expand his artistic horizons.
- Through Golden Element, Taleyven aims to make a significant impact in the world of art and events in Mauritius.
