This year, the French Institute of Mauritius launched a special thematic program centered on Micro-Folie, the digital museum that has been housed in the former gallery since 2022. Following a series of activities on environmental change, the “enfants terribles” of Bactory are taking over the space with the theme “Figures, Islands, and Identities.” Dominique Bellier
In June, Gaël Froget, Evan Sohun, and Skizofan began a lively dialogue withvisual arts specialist Jean-François Dorza. Dorza is curating the exhibition *Exotism and Otherness*, which has just opened in the IFM lobby and media library and will run through the end of September. These contributions from Bactory spark reflection on the perception of the island world and its uniqueness. The exhibition features a variety of events, such as workshops for children ages 6 to 13, art history sessions, guided tours , and the “Cafés-Folies .”
Scheduled for the last week of July, the first art workshop will introduce the children to portraiture, mask-making, and the creation of a collaborative artwork, while exploring the theme “Me, the Other, and Our Imaginary Worlds.” In early August, they’ll explore “Fantastic Landscapes and Street Art” to create their own imagery using mural and graffititechniques …
Six years later, the first Café-Folie event will examine the Wakashio oil spill that damaged our island. Artists inspired by this tragedy—Brady Goorappa, Nirveda Alleck, and Kim Yip Tong— will participate in this anniversary special. And in September, the public will delve deeper into artistic creations that illustrate the tension between perception and identity, stemming from dominant exotic-Orientalist narratives that distort and shape artistic expression… Researcher Stephan Karghoo and the Bactory collective will participate in the discussions, alongside posthumous contributions from masters of the field, such as Gauguin, Cézanne, Frida Kahlo, and Orlan!
Skizofan – Transestral
Gaël Froget – Personaz
Evan Sohun – Secam
