Consolidation

Escape routes recalls with pride a historical lane of Mauritius in a powerful depiction showing ancestors who came as indentured labourers from many countries bracing the steps to toil incessantly in view of a better life. The wrinkled feet of the figure carves the image of constant struggle and physical torture.  In a gesture foreshadowing sheer determination, the male figure which is my self-study also communicates strength and optimism with his face turning towards a beam of light and hope.  The motif being explored subtly serves to trigger our inherited consciousness as the outcome of the journey of coolies.
The silhouettes in the background personifies Mauritius as a multicultural melting pot of different religious beliefs, cultures and traditions highlighting that the country has experienced. Yet the spirit of peace, harmony and unity is being questioned from a contemporary perspective for the freedom to manifest religious beliefs may be subject to limitations. The systematic suppression of critical thinking imposed by religion creates boundaries between the self and the other- another person, another group, another belief.


Routes

The symbolism of the elements is demonstrative of the past that connects us to the present through the silhouettes of the figures who stand strong, resilient and united reminiscent of racial and cultural harmony binding our Nation. Leaders who brought freedom and economic boom have played an important role on the journey of healing, reconciliation and growth to build an inclusive future.

Cohesion

In an attempt to engage as an eco- activist within an art context, the artist seeks to reflect on the need for the equilibrium between modernization, nature and humanity or the co-existence of the same, especially in a period where our world is experiencing the throes of civilization. Therefore, the vibrant pattern is symbolical of a serene and harmonious expression stirring the consciousness of modern men to reimagine a novel scenario. The artist’s understanding is that man and nature advance together in perfect togetherness and unity. However, the integration of both elements remains puzzling as the modern man continues to overstep his limit and he can only aim at this harmony if he realizes that he is an integral of the sacred world. Undeniably individual consciousness will entail collective change.

Consensus

Typical to many formerly colonised states, the attainment of sovereignty has been in all senses of term, a long-drawn and hard-fought battle of concepts and mind-sets. The very identity of the Republic of Mauritius springs from a bitter memory of enslaved people who had to toil, with blood and sweat, in a distant and foreign land, against the adversity brought about by oppression, torture and hate. This social setting was further reinforced later by consecutive cohorts of displaced immigrants from various corners of the globe. And across the years, we, as a forward populate, have painfully but steadily learnt to set aside our differences and work in unison towards a common goal: fostering a spirit of resilience and independence so that our struggle to break away from the shackles and chains of repression could be given a sense of purpose.
In this light, my representation seeks to portray the souvenir of where we came from: human slavery in its most atrocious form, and where we are going with our heads held high, an identity of several shades and tones, depicting our symbiosis and synthesis of our cultural palimpsest. The term rainbow nation could not exemplify it better: it is after the chaos of Mother Nature that we have finally settled in our common destiny, without, however, never allowing ourselves to forget our uncomfortable past; a past that has nonetheless emancipated us to forge ahead with resolute determination, confident that our physical dissimilarities cannot but fortify and transcend our collective endeavour to become one.

The symbolism of vibrant colours is demonstrative of the past that connects us to the present through the silhouettes who stand strong, resilient and united reminiscent of racial and cultural harmony binding our Nation. It also brings deep awareness on the journey of healing, reconciliation and growth to build an inclusive future drawing from the differences that constitute our wealth.

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Asvind Dookhorun

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