The paradise island of Reunion and its inhabitants in the paintings of Aurélie Quenten
It is easy to see that the fertile corners of the planet are not at all rich in artists. Of the greats, one can only recall the Impressionist Paul Gauguin, who worked in Tahiti in the 19th century, who, in addition, was a visitor. Perhaps life in paradise is relaxing and not conducive to art? Maybe so, but there are pleasant exceptions. Artist Aurélie Quentin paints her colorful paintings on Reunion Island. And the fact that she is surrounded by fabulous nature and peace only helps her.
Reunion Island is a French possession. It is located in the Indian Ocean, 700 km from Madagascar. No, this is not a sparsely populated coral island with a lagoon, but a place where 800,000 people live, of which 130,000 live in the capital Saint-Denis. Nevertheless, all the attributes of a tropical paradise are here. Palm trees, beaches, azure sea, beautiful tanned girls and starry sky in Reunion in abundance.
Aurélie Quenten was born and raised in Réunion. For the first time, she left her native island after school, in order to study at the Paris School of Art. But, having received a diploma, the artist returned home. She could not imagine how she would live and work away from her beautiful homeland.
In the paintings of Aurelie Quenten you will not find acute social problems and philosophical mysteries. Its heroes are the inhabitants of the island and tourists leading a pleasant and measured life by the ocean. Men and women take imposing poses, smoke cigars and drink cocktails. They are brightly dressed, smiling and generally very pleased with themselves. The artist conveys the mood so skillfully that everyone wants to be on the other side of the canvas right now.