The first show of the year, "Untitled 3," organized by the artists' civil society network Arterial Network Seychelles, gave artists a place to display and market the works they had created during the previous m

The first show of the year, "Untitled 3," organized by the artists' civil society network Arterial Network Seychelles, gave artists a place to display and market the works they had created during the previous month.

According to Shelley Morden, gallery manager of the Eden Art Space gallery, the network felt it was vital to begin the year with an untitled exhibition.

"Throughout the Affordable Art Fair and the holiday season, artists have been painting. So to assist them in getting started on the year right and get through it, we wanted to give them a chance to make some early sales, "spoke Morden.

The manager spoke about the beginning of the series and explained that shortly after joining the network, she realized that artists frequently paint what they feel rather than what a theme might be about.

"Previously, we've given the names and themes of our shows that signify particular trajectories or themes. However, I still hoped to make it feasible for artists to sell their work without being constrained by themes. 

Still, themes being what they are, and artists fighting with resources and their ability to paint many pieces are now severely limited, "said Morden.

The "Untitled" series enables artists to submit works that are not constrained by a particular theme. Instead, it allows artists to present their finest works that reflect whatever has lately inspired them.

Morden noted that more prints were sold because of a price cap on the works of art at the previous exhibition, The Affordable Art Fair.

To provide contrast, she added, "this exhibition moves completely away from that and toward having more originals in the gallery."

Over 40 works of art are on display, including sculptures, acrylic on canvas, watercolor, prints, and mixed media. Viewers can explore the exhibit through March 11.

Morden stated that she is witnessing artists grow and evolve in Seychelles' present art scene.

"They require our assistance, our respect, and our realization of the value of art in our lives. Yet, according to Morden, we tend to take artists, musicians, and writers for granted because we don't realize the influence their work would have on our lives if it weren't for them.

Three solo exhibitions, as well as a group exhibition featuring a specific group of Seychellois artists, are scheduled by Arterial Network Seychelles. The next group exhibition is called "Nou Lar Sesel" (Our Seychelles Art). This will be a collection of artists that well-known artist Colbert Nourrice has put together.

The western Indian Ocean archipelago of Seychelles is home to Arterial Network Seychelles, which was established in November 2011. 

It is a component of Arterial Network, a Pan-African civil society organization that brings together artists, cultural activists, business owners, non-profit organizations, institutions, and benefactors working in the continent's creative and artistic industries.