Seychellois Artist Justin Reddy Unveils Country and Western Exhibition
VICTORIA, Seychelles, Seychellois artist Justin Reddy has unveiled a solo exhibition at the Carrefour des Arts gallery, showcasing his love for country and western music through 26 captivating pieces. The exhibition represents months of dedicated work and reflects the artist’s deep connection to the genre. Visitors to the gallery have been impressed by the bold colours and striking compositions on display.
Inspired by his deep connection to the genre, Mr Reddy’s collection features iconic portraits and vibrant canvases that pay homage to the legends of country music. The collection fills a gap in Seychellois art, but also serves as a snapshot of his childhood years. Despite the tendency for local music artists to cover country hits, visual representations of these icons are yet to be produced until now.
I decided to create the series because I enjoy listening to country and western music. I like these artists since they are very skilled, and as you know, we use various skills and techniques in art, he said, explaining the motivation behind the collection. While the exhibition primarily celebrates the rich tapestry of country icons, Mr Reddy infuses personal touches into each artwork. Although these are not portraits of me, they represent things that I like. I have also added words, song lyrics to certain canvases, as I think they make sense, or reflect some of the things that I have experienced, Mr Reddy explained.
Among the portraits showcased, Mr Reddy highlights legends like Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Nana Mouskouri, and Emmylou Harris. The ladies I included because from the records that I have collected they were smiling and laughing, and since I wanted to use many colours, it matches well, he shared, reflecting on his choice of subjects. Originally planned for December 2023, the exhibition’s timing was strategically aligned with Valentine’s Day by the National Arts and Crafts Council of Seychelles.
Opening its doors on Friday February 9, the exhibition offers a unique glimpse into Mr Reddy’s artistic journey, and his admiration for country and western culture. Looking ahead, he envisions expanding his artistic repertoire with a second volume inspired by Reggae and Rastafarianism, signalling his continuous exploration of diverse musical influences. Additionally, he plans to establish his own gallery in the future, dedicated to showcasing his past works.
