ISS
AIRTEL ART IN SCHOOLS PROJECT
ABOUT THE PROJECT
This project began with an idea from Salim Currimjee, the architect, who wanted to do something different in terms of the art work to go into the rooms and suites of the Meridien Barbarons Hotel.
Involving more than 80 children, the aim of the project was to produce
fresh and vibrant art that would represent the unique richness of
Seychelles, specifically the environment. The children in turn would
develop respect for, and learn more about, the environment. On a
community level it would involve the interaction of different students
from various institutions.
Neeran Chhiber, CEO, Airtel liked the idea and Martin and Nayna Kennedy of the International School Seychelles became involved in the planning and realisation of what became known as the Airtel Art in Schools project.
At the onset of the project our only slight apprehension was that the work might turn out to be narrow in range and style; after all, the students would all receive the same induction, the same information regarding motif and decoration, the same suggestions concerning cool and relaxing colours. We were aware of the possibility that we could end up with clones instead of paintings, or that students would nervously copy visual themes developed by others who were deemed to have 'got it right'. In the end we needn't have worried; the diversity and breadth of approach wildly exceeded our expectations, and the level of personal response, integrity and imagination demonstrated through this body of work has, we think, surprised everyone, especially the children themselves. Great credit goes to the artists, who supported the development of individual and personal responses to the twin themes of Land and Sea, but essentially this is a student-centred project .
As the body of work was assembled during the six months of workshops the
project took on a distinct identity and character. Whether created by a
child of 8 years or a student of 18 years, the images were invariably
different and exciting. We decided to expand the original project brief;
to make a wider range of canvas sizes, create different thematic pieces
for the four suites, and incorporate dyeing and experimental spraying
techniques. We decided to present all of the completed images on CD Rom,
and add statements and photographs to provide further information for
the guests who would not only be able to see works created in their own
room, but also works in other rooms made by the same children. We
decided to do this through the placement of A4 laminates in each room, a
sort of 'welcome to your paintings' to go with the general and more
usual hotel orientation information placed in rooms.
We also agreed that the paintings should be seen together before being taken to the hotel; thus we exhibited 140 works at the National Library exhibition space in Victoria. This was a riot of thematic interpretation, and the quality of ideas as well as technical skill was very apparent indeed. Unfortunately there was no venue large enough in Seychelles to have exhibited all of the paintings, which, by the close of the project, numbered almost 400.
We would like to thank the artists who worked together to assist the students in making their compositions:
- Colbert Nourrice , secondary Art and Design teacher from the International School Seychelles and a respected artist in his own right
- Heather Maund - designer and artist
- Barbara Jenson – artist
- Nayna Kennedy – International School teacher and artist.
Thanks also to Margit Camille, who has photographed the work and designed the CD Rom that holds all the images and student statements.
Thanks to the International School Seychelles and its neighbouring institution the National College of the Arts.
Finally thanks and all credit are due to the 79 students, aged 8 years and upwards, who gave up their Saturdays to interpret their vision of their country in colour on canvas.
Salim Currimjee |
Neeran Chhiber |
Martin Kennedy |