George Camille (Seychellois, born1963)
Island Life, 2012
Signed ‘G. Camille 2012’ (lower right)
Collage and acrylic on canvas
109.2 x 66 cm
Ksh 530,000 – 795,000
(US$) 4,000 – 6,000
Provenance: direct from the artist
Sold Ksh 493,117
George Camille was born on the island of Mahe and spent most of his childhood on the island of La Digue. Initially self-taught, Camille’s artistic practice and style has transformed through years of continual experimentation, constantly exploring new techniques, mediums and materials. Camillie developed his eclectic yet distinctive style studying at Blackheath College of Art and Goldsmiths College, both in London. Creating several distinct styles throughout the years, his combination of collage on canvas with acrylic and the use of typical Seychellois motifs and references are central to his work. This painting is a celebration of island life, the lush indigenous vegetation and creole architecture that is typical in his work.
In 1987 Camillie established Sunstroke Studios in the Seychelles and, in so doing, provided an outlet for his design and craft activities alongside his original fine art work. This successful initiative was followed in 1997 by the restoration of an old wooden colonial house, Kaz Zanana, which he then opened as his first gallery in the Seychelles. This was followed in 2004 by the opening of the George Camille Gallery at Anse Gaulette on the island of La Digue. Camillie has staged numerous solo and group shows in the Seychelles, Mauritius, Martinique, Reunion, Germany, China and Mali. He also staged major exhibitions of new work in Beijing and has represented Seychelles three times at the Venice Biennale. George has original work in numerous private collections worldwide, and has completed a significant number of commissions, private, public and corporate.