‘Mokassiens’: an offbeat photo exhibition

“We chose these photographers in order to create a beautiful group synergy – and it has been a real success!” says Moka’s Arts and Culture Manager, Mathieu Pigeot. “Meha Desai subsequently proved to be the perfect curator for the exhibition. First, because of her experience, but also because of her original, almost anthropological approach to the theme.” 

“This project is above all intended to demonstrate that any space is the sum of its people. This complex dimension of the environment is only revealed to those who take the time to get lost in and explore that space,” says the curator of the exhibition, Meha Desai.

Moka, City of Culture: Promoting art to transform the city

This artistic residency set up by Moka, City of Culture and sponsored by ENL provided a space for the three talented photographers. They had access to dedicated workspaces, mentorship, technology and the research resources required to fully develop their creativity and skills. 

The newly acquired techniques combine with their natural talent and keen eye to produce powerful images that are culturally enriching for the city. The ‘Mokassiens’ exhibition is an ode to the people of the region, their daily life and stories with photos taken during encounters and moments of sharing with the artists. Guided only by their intuition, research and feelings, the latter explored, captured and enhanced the spirit of Moka. Come and see the result for yourself from 20 December 2022! 

Rezidan, a well-structured residency

This is the result of the first documentary photography residency that took place in July 2022. Anne Sarah Nicolin, Meha Desai and Laurent de Froberville formed a group to work on this exhibition in their photo studio at La Kocotte Artistique. This work is influenced by their respective philosophies and was supported by the Arts and Culture Manager, who shared his photography experience and Romain Philippon, a renowned documentary photographer from Reunion Island, whose photos have been published in various magazines – Including Le Monde and Libération. Their valuable contributed to enhance the images. 

Launch of the ‘Mokassiens’ exhibition

There will be a great atmosphere for the launch of the exhibition on 20 December 2022 at the Telfair Amphitheatre. A musical performance by the Philip Thomas Syndicate is sure to get you in the mood for discovery while taking a peek behind the scenes of the residency during a projection of photographs. It will also feature the work of other artists like Keivan Cadinouche, Tristan Bréville and Raoul Rampart, as well as a set of works from the ‘Fragments’ photography project that took place in the Indian Ocean region. 

There is no reason to miss this great moment, which is complimentary and open to everyone! 

4 good reasons to visit this exhibition

• It is free and open to all.
• An immersive experience of the daily life of the people of Petit Verger.
• A real breath of fresh air that will stimulate your artistic imagination.
• An opportunity to go out and have a good time with family and friends.

See you at the grand launch on 20 December 2022 from 5.30pm to 8pm at the Telfair Amphitheatre. The exhibition will be on display until 19 January 2023.