The Palais de Justice lobby is now a little brighter thanks to a generous donation from artist Paolo Chionni, also known in the art world as Kipao, who gifted the Judiciary one of his paintings.
The large artwork measuring 120cm x 240cm donated to the Judiciary is entitled “Flag”, and comprises of colors of both the Seychelles and Italian flag. Speaking with the artist on Monday 1 March, Chief Justice Ronny Govinden expressed his appreciation for the artwork and how apt the theme is.
“In my speech for the reopening of the court, I stressed the need for more emblems and symbols of the Republic – we want the Seychelles flag to be present in all courtrooms, and your painting is a beautiful artistic representation of this willingness to have portrayals of the Republic on our premises,” he said.
The Judiciary of Seychelles embraces artwork that portrays and interprets aspects of the Republic of Seychelles, and has plans create more collaboration with the artistic scene in the country.
Chief Justice Govinden poses with artist Paolo Chionni in front of the donated artwork placed in the Supreme Court lobby
Kipao, the artist of Italian origin, has been living in Seychelles for over 30 years, settling here after sailing around the world for many years. The strokes of the brush on his abstract paintings seek to convey passion and emotion that are open to interpretation. Much of his work is based on the cultural melting pot between Italy and Seychelles, and colors inspired by the Indian Ocean islands.
Italy remains a number one tourism market for Seychelles, and there is a growing Italian diaspora on Mahe.
Kipao has participated and sold his paintings in several art exhibitions in Seychelles, namely the annual Arterial art Fair exhibitions at the Eden Art Space, and other themed exhibitions hosted there since 2017.
This donation comes just as the Eden Art Space closes its doors, as low tourism numbers has led to a lack of sales in local artworks.