Mauritius Students Prize 2025/26

My painting is a tribute to my great-grandfather who left his homeland (India) for the unknown shores of Mauritius in the 19th century. Like all the other indentured labourers, he toiled tirelessly and shed blood nurturing a bright life for his future generation. This is what I portrayed through blood dripping. His face is mainly painted in blue, a reference to the cold life he has lived. The bare tree blinding his eye represents the truth he was being hidden from and the harsh reality he had to face for survival. Today as I paint his story, I am filled with gratitude for his courage.

Acrylic painting on A2 sheet of paper

This artwork captures the haunting reality of war and its impact on the most innocent – the children. A baby, clinging to its mother for survival, breastfeeds with wide, tearful eyes. The raw emotion in the child’s face speaks louder than words – a mix of fear, hunger, and silent suffering. In times of war, basic needs like food, safety, and love become luxuries. Families are displaced, and mothers become both protectors and providers in the harshest of conditions. The child’s tears are not just emotional; they reflect a reality shaped by violence, poverty, and uncertainty. The contrast between the nurturing act of breastfeeding and the child’s visible distress symbolizes the fragile balance between life and loss during conflict. This is not just an image of a child – it is a reflection of countless lives caught in the chaos of human conflict. The piece challenges us to look beyond headlines and see war’s true cost – not in numbers, but in faces.

This artwork illustrates a woman mid-dance, her body arched gracefully as flowing fabric trails her movement. With expressive brushstrokes and a soft, dynamic palette, the painting conveys fluidity and energy. Light and shadow sculpt her form, enhancing the sense of motion, while the abstract background suggests rhythm and atmosphere. The work transforms a fleeting gesture into a timeless expression of movement and emotion.

A fragmented portrait merging bold colours and sharp lines, symbolizing identity’s fragility and the beauty within imperfection.

First of all my inspiration for this Artwork comes from my Mauritian origin and through it I want to decipher different things that form part of my Mauritian identity. That’s why I’ve chosen the tropical flower HIBISCUS, which in Mauritian creole is called “IBISKIS”. This flower with its fascinating blending colors forms part of my childhood as I had one in my garden since a very young age and as the son of a woman passionate about agriculture, I’ve decided to choose the Hibiscus flower. The Sega Tipik, had to definitely form part of this artwork. It is the Mauritian traditional music and dance which I believe ignites the soul of every Mauritian as soon as one listens to it. Reunites family, shares life lesson and most importantly peace becomes present for a laps amount of time. Sugarcane, which in Mauritian creole is called “KANN”, is something that I think every Mauritian has seen in their lifetime. Travelling through Mauritius by car, bus, motorcycle or any other existing transportation, sugarcane will be seen. When I look at these huge sugarcane fields, while passing by them, I imagine some huge green waves going back and forth along with a slight breeze sliding through them. FISHERMAN known as “PESER” in Mauritian creole, are the people that fights against the waves to feed their family. Fishing is something that I really like, as a kid who grew up on the coast of Mauritius. Going fishing with friends, laughing with them, talking about anything and everything and some time a little bit of self reflection. COIN DE MIRE, known as”KOIN DE MIR” in Mauritian creole, is a little island that is well known among the Mauritians, specially those who lives on the coast. Mauritian FOOD, known as “MANZE” in Mauritian creole, is a mix of culture and origins. These tasty and delicious Mauritian snack that can easily be found in the capital of Mauritius, Port-Louis, makes you discover different cultures in one day. The ones that I prefer are the well known GATO PIMA (chilli cake) , DIPAIN FRIR (fried bread) , BAJA, ROTI, DHOL PURI and without forgetting something sweet and refreshing, ALOUDA. I introduce MY LITTLE ISLAND to you, which in Mauritian creole is called “MO TI ZIL”.

A landscape painting of Mauritius.

A mermaid of the deep and an angel of the skies stand side by side, glasses in hand. Sea and air couldn’t be more different, yet in this captured moment, their bond outshines the party lights – proof that friendship doesn’t ask where you come from, only where your hearts meet.

The painting depicts two ethereal beings, a pink-skinned angel and a blue-skinned mermaid, at a party. The angel, with her large, purple wings, embraces the mermaid, symbolizing the warmth and strength of their friendship. Their shared bond is further highlighted by the martini glasses they hold, which represent their shared experiences. The color palette is deliberately chosen to enhance their individual identities and the connection between them. The angel, bathed in warm pink tones, evokes the fiery hues of a sunset, specifically as it dips closer to the horizon. In contrast, the mermaid’s deep blue skin, reminiscent of the mysterious abyss, is brought to life with a shimmering quality, suggesting a journey towards the light or the surface. The wings, painted in a blend of pink and blue, create a beautiful purple hue, serving as the visual ‘common point’ where their two distinct worlds meet and merge. The artwork is styled to mimic a snapshot from a digital camera, capturing a fleeting moment of intimacy and shared joy.

This acrylic painting explores fashion as a living form of art. At its center, a red-toned figure radiates green, star-like rays, symbolising individuality and creative energy. The plain beige background, decorated with minimalist doodles, creates a calm space that lets the colors speak. Inspired by my own fashion sense, the work blends a vintage scrap-journal aesthetic with my personal style choices. It reflects my belief that fashion is more than clothing – it is a way of perceiving the world, shaping identity, and expressing culture.

Digital artwork of 4 different versions of myself. One from my childhood, one when I was 13 in the blue shirt, one of me at 17, in pink shirt embracing the joy of the present and a future version of myself. I shot the background image which represents my love for nature in Moris!

Step into the calm beauty of a quiet lakeside morning with Whispers Through the Birch. Tall birch trees rise gracefully like old friends their white trunks marked with lines and patterns that tell their own stories. Soft sunlight filters through leaves of green and gold casting gentle shadows across the deep blue water. The lake rests in stillness broken only by the thought of a slow ripple or the whisper of a breeze through the branches. Painted with acrylics and a palette knife the textured strokes bring the bark the leaves and the water to life. This painting invites you to pause for a moment as if you are standing there yourself feeling the fresh air and hearing nature’s soft sounds. It is a reminder of the simple beauty and peace found in nature.

Silent prayer meets gentle light, as faith and God make life feel bright and a whole.

I wanted to show a tranquil harbor view where boats rest peacefully, reflecting the calm and colourful waters of the bay.

This painting reflects the painter’s cultural identity through the choice of symbols, colors, and traditional elements that are unique to their heritage. The imagery conveys personal stories, customs, and values passed down through generations, offering a visual connection to their roots. It serves as both an artistic expression and a preservation of cultural memory.

This artwork is a reflection of my deepest bond, the one I share with my cat. Through a combination of detailed realism, soft graphite work, and geometric patterns, I capture the way my world and theirs are intertwined. My cat is a ball of joy that enlightens my life

Due to the industrial development, we are seeing less and less of these insects.

The painting was inspired from my previous research to realize an art piece which I submitted for IGCSE exams. This artwork is different from the one submitted but had nevertheless had a strong impact on me as I had enjoyed exploring the “market place” theme. I realized this art piece with as much enthusiasm and I added further details which I had not included before. The green wrought iron structures and cobblestones are the vestiges of a distant past that reminds us of the struggles of slavery in the early formation of the Mauritian nation, into the one we know today.

The artwork depicts the central market of Port Louis built in 1828 by British colonizers. It is a vibrant place where diverse Mauritian cultures intertwine.

This portrait was inspired by the struggles of teenhood and finding a balance between your purpose and your free nature. New Roots symbolises change and having a conscious mind that can hold inner peace and freedom.

This artwork expresses the path to exploring your purpose. Our free spirits are often explored in rebellious ways. Balance is found between the chaos and your inner peace.

This portrait was inspired by the breathtaking sunset of Mauritius, the historical significance of Le Morne. The calm Buddha reflect the spiritual harmony.

A vibrant painting of Buddha with colors, flowers, and butterflies blending into a Mauritian sunset. Le Morne mountain rises by the turquoise sea, while a young girl holds a flower in peace. It reflects Mauritius’ beauty, culture, and harmony between nature and spirituality.

A portrait painting inspired by a native American story. This painting showcase the unbreakable bond and coexistence between humans and nature.

The ‘Crimson Crown’ is a grayscale painting of a tropical iguana in Mauritius, focusing on the vibrant crimson and red spine that form its crest. This striking feature is a powerful symbol of the creature’s sufferance, a testament to its patient endurance of the hardships and trials of its world, ‘La souffrance tropicale’.

In this captivating mixed-media painting, a vibrant jungle scene bursts to life with dramatic texture and realism. Four uniquely colored chameleons – each distinct in form and expression – interact within a lush, mysterious forest. The centerpiece features a green chameleon with a sculpted, extended tongue dramatically snatching a fly mid-air, blending motion and anticipation. Around it, other chameleons observe or prowl silently, camouflaged against the swirling, ethereal greens and blues of the forest. Crafted with a blend of oil painting and three-dimensional elements, this piece immerses the viewer in the stealthy, almost mythical world of these remarkable reptiles. The interplay of color, texture, and lifelike form tells a story of survival, curiosity, and nature’s intricate beauty.

Mauritian national heritage site. History and present of Le Morne brabant mountain. Le Morne brabant is a living example of freedom, independence and respect for thier values and cultures.

A quiet symbol of hope, resilience or the unseen strength within.

My painting captures a mystical moment between a woman and a fiery phoenix, as if caught in the middle of a silent conversation. The woman, draped in flowing robes that echo the bird’s vibrant feathers, sits poised and contemplative. The phoenix unfurls around her, its wings forming a luminous halo of energy and flame. The fluid brushstrokes blends the two figures into one harmonious scene suggesting rebirth, inner fire, and the sacred bond between the human soul and the eternal.

The final poster was made using Canva. It completely transforms the pop art crash image into a complete awareness campaign piece. I chose this theme as there are too many road accidents happening today, and it is important to promote alertness, especially among drivers who often underestimate the risks of speeding. The pop art becomes the centrepiece of the poster, framed within graphical design elements such as the bright, vivid red halftone dots background symbolising urgency and danger, thick hazard-striped borders that symbolise a warning signage, and large bold comic typography demanding attention. The slogan ‘Speed Thrills, But It Kills’ is done in bright yellow with bold black outline to keep the dramatic tone of a classic vintage comic lettering. While the pop art conveys the emotional impact of the accident, the poster amplifies the message by drawing the viewer’s attention and reinforcing the urgency of the warning. The wording and images together serve as a call to action to remind people that the excitement of speeding is never worth the irreversible consequences.

Molly, Man’s Best Friend is a portrait of my grandparents’ dog, Molly. I wanted to capture how much joy and comfort she brings them, especially now that their home feels quieter in their empty-nest years. I used soft watercolour washes to show her gentle nature, layered with text.

The painting , titled ‘Human Nature’, suggests that we are not separate from the wildness of the world. On the contrary, it illustrates our inner landscape – a wild, complex and often unpredictable realm. The lush and vibrant tapestry of plants and exotic flowers beautifully demonstrates the idea that within each of us lies a microcosm of nature’s symbiosis.

This portrait represents the damage caused to physical and mental health by alcohol consumption – the Torn paper shows gradual memory loss, vivid reds evoke confusion and anxiety. A chained heart symbolizes alcohol’s link to cardiovascular disease, myriad strokes replacing the head show dizziness, and round shapes depict neuron damage.

This work explores the sensual rhythm between two bodies locked in an intimate embrace. Inspired by the fluidity and tension of sensual dance, I sought to reveal how posture, hands, and subtle gestures can speak louder than words. Using black-and-white pointillism and charcoal, I built the image dot by dot and shade by shade, capturing both the physical energy and the emotional depth of the moment. I chose pointillism for its ability to create soft gradients and textures that echo the gradual build-up of intimacy in movement, while charcoal deepened the contrast and added warmth to the shadows.