Renowned Seychellois artist Leon Radegonde has become a laureate of the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Art Awards for his contribution to contemporary African art. The award was presented to the artist in Seychelles' capital, Victoria, on August 18, a correspondent for African Initiative reports.
The official award ceremony took place on May 13 in Kumasi, Ghana. However, Radegonde was unable to attend, so the award was formally presented to the artist at the meeting hall of Seychelles' Ministry of Culture. The presentation ceremony was conducted by Seychelles' Minister of Tourism and Culture, Amanda Bernstein.
In his speech, Radegonde connected his work to Seychelles' natural environment. His works often feature birds, plants, and other elements of Seychellois flora and fauna, reflecting his long-standing interest in the relationship between humans and the natural world.
"I just create, yes. Creativity is in my nature, so I just create. ... I accept this award with pride. I dedicate it to my late mother and father, my great-grandmother, great-grandfather, and grandmother," the artist stated.
Radegonde was one of eight artists and cultural figures honored during the second award ceremony, organized by the Manhyia Palace Museum in partnership with UNESCO. He was recognized alongside artists and curators from Ghana and other countries, including Ibrahim Mahama, Yaw Owusu, Victor Butler, Larry Otoo, Afia Prempeh, British Museum curator Julie Hudson, and curator Osei Bonsu. The Manhyia Palace Museum described Radegonde as the first contemporary Seychellois artist to receive this award.
Earlier, young Seychellois filmmakers were invited to participate in an international film session in Moscow, which will take place in the Russian capital as part of the Diamond Butterfly film awards.