Seychelles Artist Egbert Marday Makes Historic Debut at the 61st Venice Biennale
The Republic of Seychelles is proudly participating in the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia 2026, marking another important milestone in the country’s growing international cultural presence.
The Seychelles National Pavilion, titled Existence on an Island, is jointly organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and the European Cultural Centre and is being presented at the Palazzo Mora in Venice as part of the prestigious La Biennale di Venezia.
Recognised as one of the world’s leading contemporary art exhibitions, the Venice Biennale attracts more than 800,000 visitors from across the globe, including artists, collectors, curators, museums, galleries, academics, media professionals, and cultural institutions. Seychelles’ participation therefore offers an exceptional opportunity to showcase the country’s creative identity and cultural voice to a truly international audience.
Representing Seychelles this year is acclaimed Seychellois contemporary artist Egbert Marday, whose participation marks his first appearance at the world-renowned Venice Biennale — one of the most prestigious and influential international exhibitions dedicated to contemporary art.
The Seychelles Pavilion is commissioned by Cecille Kalebi and curated by Nina Comini under the Biennale’s 2026 theme In Minor Keys, curated by Koyo Kouoh.
The exhibition features a single artwork by Egbert Marday entitled Spiritual Journey (2015), an assemblage sculpture constructed from welded steel, fabric, resin, trumpet, leather, dirt, and pigment. The work captures the essence of the artist’s lifelong devotion to art and creative expression.
For decades, Egbert Marday has been recognised as one of Seychelles’ most distinctive and authentic artistic voices. Known for his unconventional use of materials and emotionally charged sculptural forms, Marday’s work reflects themes of spirituality, music, humanity, memory, and island existence. His creations are deeply personal and expressive, shaped by years of artistic exploration and commitment to his craft.
Throughout his artistic career, Marday has contributed significantly to the development of contemporary visual arts in Seychelles and has participated in numerous exhibitions locally and internationally. His work has earned admiration for its originality, raw authenticity, and strong emotional presence, making him one of the country’s most respected contemporary artists.
In recognition of his exceptional contribution to the development of visual arts in Seychelles, Egbert Marday was awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the Seychelles Arts Awards in 2019. This national recognition celebrated his decades of dedication to artistic expression and his influence on the growth of contemporary art in Seychelles. His participation at the Venice Biennale therefore represents not only a personal milestone, but also a historic moment for Seychellois contemporary art on the global stage.
Curator Nina Comini describes the exhibition as more than simply presenting an artwork in a gallery space.
“There is nothing fake about Egbert; he has been living art all his life, just for art itself,” she notes in her curatorial statement. “One life-sized human object that says it all — the dusty musician whose music I can still hear — represents Egbert’s life, being one of the very few contemporary artists in Seychelles.”
The Ministry of Tourism and Culture has also extended special appreciation to René Reitmeyer and the Creative Seychelles Agency for their invaluable support and collaboration in facilitating Seychelles’ participation at this important international platform.
Beyond its artistic significance, Seychelles’ participation at the Venice Biennale also contributes to the international promotion and visibility of Seychelles as a cultural destination. Through global events such as the Biennale, art becomes an important vehicle for cultural diplomacy, storytelling, and destination branding. It allows Seychelles to present itself not only as a tourism destination known for its natural beauty, but also as a nation rich in creativity, culture, identity, and artistic talent.
The participation of artists such as Egbert Marday helps strengthen the image of Seychelles on the international stage by showcasing authentic Seychellois narratives and creative expression to audiences from around the world. This cultural visibility creates opportunities for international partnerships, artistic exchanges, creative industry development, and greater global appreciation of Seychelles’ cultural heritage and contemporary arts sector.
The participation of Seychelles at the Venice Biennale reflects the country’s continued commitment to promoting Seychellois artists internationally and strengthening cultural diplomacy through the arts. It also highlights the growing recognition of Seychelles’ contemporary creative sector on the global stage.
The Seychelles National Pavilion will remain open to visitors throughout the duration of the Biennale until 22 November 2026.
