Acrylic on canvas 

A2

Unknown and little intriguing island at Mahébourg (southeast), with a red-roofed house.

Acrylic on paper 

A2

The process of drying fresh octopus, to be used afterwards in chutney.

Acrylic on canvas

A2 

Famous competition of traditional wooden pirogues, at Mahébourg (southeast). 

Acrylic on paper

A2

Convenience iron-sheet store, popular among alcohol addicts to have beers under the veranda, while having a smoke. Stray dogs visit it. In the past, the owners were mostly of Chinese descent, for which it kept its name of Chinese store (boutik Chinois).

Acrylic on paper

A2 

Optical illusion of an undersea waterfall caused by sand and silt sediments moving under the influence of strong underwater currents, located at the southwest coast of Mauritius Island. 

Acrylic on paper

A2 

Traditional production of salt from sea water, cleaned and dried in the sun.

Acrylic on paper 

A2 

Located in the small fishing village of Cap Malheureux (north of the island), it owes its name to the numerous shipwrecks that occurred in this area at the beginning of the colonization of the island. The Roman Catholic Church is famous for its vivid red roof against the bright turquoise sea and azure sky, and a perfect spot for making memories. 

Acrylic on paper

A2

UNESCO World Heritage site, it is a mount that symbolizes the resistance to slavery, since it was used as a refuge by slaves who, after running away, hid on its sides and cliffs. 

Acrylic on canvas 

A2

A typical fusion of colours in the sky, at sunrise and sunset.

Acrylic on paper

A2

Women of Indian descent wearing their cultural outfit, the Saree, going for a walk in their village.

Acrylic on paper

A2

Traditional music and costume of Mauritius Island. Originally sung by men and women who had been sold as slaves but whose souls had remained sensitive to music, the Séga is nowadays a folksong which has integrated itself within the framework of our folklore. The Sega is usually sung in Creole (native language of Mauritians). 

Acrylic on paper

A2

]When the red flamboyant tree flowers, it usually announces the end of the year festivities. 

Acrylic on ravanne, musical instrument.

The ravanne is a large tambourine-like instrument used in Séga music of Mauritius. It is made from goat skin called “lapo cabri”. Slaves created it, and it is used as the main rhythm in Séga music. The mountain Le Morne Brabant was used as a refuge and shelter for escaped slaves in the 18th and early 19th century.

Arylic on canvas

A3

Abstract interpretation of Colonisers in Mauritius Island, who made the dodo bird extinct, due to deforestation, hunting, and destruction of their nests. 

Pen and acrylic on canvas

A3

Recycling of dried paint to create a splash of colours and textures and using mixed media.

Acrylic on paper

A2

First photo taken with my husband when we dated in 2012. This artwork was first exhibited the day we were meant to get married in 2021.

Acrylic on paper

A3

Optical portrait of my late grandmother, who used to have the same gestures at her gate, looking at me leave. 

Author: Claire Valerie Baya