Famous Mauritian artist Vaco Baissac dies at 83

Vaco Baissac, one of Mauritius’ most famous artists, has died at the age of 83. According to l’Express, the artist passed away during the weekend in his home in Péreybère.

Vaco was born in Mauritius in 1940 where he exhibited for the first time in 1958. His second exhibition was in Reunion Island in 1960.

For the following three years he worked with Serge Constantin and Siegfried Sammer at thier studio in the Plaza theatre, Rose Hill.

From 1964 to 1970 he left Mauritius to study art in Brussels and Paris.

After his studies in Europe he moved to Africa and stayed for the following 20 years.In 1990 he finally returned to his native isle to pursue his passion.

Vaco opened a studio where he gave art lessons to adults and children. At the same time he was commissioned to paint large paintings and murals for the islands principle establishments as well as exhibiting his own work along with his students.

In 1998 he opened his own gallery in Grand Bay which was inaugurated by the then President of Mauritius, Mr Cassam Uteem.

Vaco has represented Mauritius at important international exhibitions in Paris, Brussels, Milan, Hong Kong, Switzerland.

Vaco Baissac is behind a considerable number of paintings, some of which have been acquired by the government.

His funeral is scheduled in a week.

Source: L’Express,