Ernest Moutoussamy is a distinguished writer, educator, and politician from Guadeloupe, an archipelago in the Caribbean and an overseas department of France. Born on November 7, 1941, in Saint-François, Moutoussamy has dedicated his life to advocating for the cultural and political aspirations of Guadeloupe while enriching Francophone literature with his evocative storytelling.

Me, Ernest Moutoussamy & ​Jacques KANCEL 

Moutoussamy has been a steadfast political figure in Guadeloupe, serving in various capacities, including as a member of the French National Assembly. Representing Guadeloupe’s 2nd constituency from 1986 to 1993 and later from 1997 to 2002, he championed the rights of his constituents, focusing on economic development, cultural preservation, and education. He has been a strong advocate for Guadeloupe's autonomy, emphasizing the importance of local governance and identity within the framework of the French Republic.

​Moutoussamy is also celebrated for his literary contributions, which reflect the history, culture, and struggles of the Caribbean. His works often explore themes such as identity, the legacy of slavery, and the complexities of post-colonial life. Writing primarily in French, he has brought the vibrant culture and poignant realities of Guadeloupe to an international audience. His novels and essays are marked by a deep engagement with the region’s history and a lyrical style that resonates with readers.

​In addition to his political and literary endeavors, Moutoussamy has worked tirelessly as an educator and advocate for cultural preservation. He believes in the power of education to transform society and has emphasized the importance of teaching Caribbean history and culture in schools. Through his efforts, he has sought to instill pride and a sense of belonging among younger generations in Guadeloupe.

​Ernest Moutoussamy’s dual contributions as a writer and politician make him a significant figure in both Guadeloupe and the broader Francophone world. His work continues to inspire those who seek to navigate the challenges of identity, heritage, and autonomy in a globalized world. Whether through his speeches in the National Assembly or his written words, Moutoussamy’s legacy is one of resilience, cultural pride, and advocacy for justice.

​Annona squamosa, commonly known as the custard apple or sugar apple, is a tropical fruit loved for its creamy texture and sweet flavor. This small, heart-shaped fruit belongs to the Annonaceae family and thrives in warm climates, making it a staple in regions such as Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, and parts of South America.

​The custard apple's exterior is unique, featuring a knobby, greenish skin that resembles overlapping scales. Beneath this rugged shell lies a soft, custard-like pulp that ranges in color from white to light yellow. The flesh is segmented, with smooth black seeds embedded in each section. Its flavor is a delightful mix of sweetness and hints of tropical notes, often compared to a blend of banana and pineapple.

Annona squamosa is a powerhouse of nutrition. It is rich in vitamins C and B6, providing a boost to the immune system and supporting brain health. The fruit also contains significant amounts of potassium and magnesium, promoting cardiovascular health and proper muscle function. Additionally, its fiber content aids digestion, making it a healthy choice for those seeking a natural, energy-packed snack.

​Annona squamosa grows on small trees that are relatively easy to cultivate. These trees thrive in well-drained soil and require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for home gardens in tropical and subtropical climates. The fruit typically matures within three to four months after flowering, rewarding growers with a bountiful harvest.

 ​Bois -

​In the sun-drenched hills of Cyprus, Aristotelis, a remarkable landscape painter, brings the essence of the Mediterranean countryside to life on his canvases. With his bold, expressionistic strokes, he captures the vibrant beauty of his homeland, creating works that feel both timeless and fresh. His paintings radiate with energy, offering viewers a glimpse into a deeply personal vision of the natural world. While best known for his landscapes, Aristotelis is also gaining recognition for his new figurative works, further cementing his position as one of Cyprus' leading contemporary artists.

Born and raised on the island, Aristotelis has always been drawn to the rugged terrain and brilliant colours of the Cypriot landscape. His passion for art took him to the Athens School of Fine Arts at just 20 years old, where he honed his skills under the guidance of renowned Greek painters Panayiotis Tetsis and Dimitris Mytaras. These formative years gave him the technical foundation he needed, but it was the landscape of his native Cyprus that truly became his muse. The golden hues of the hills, the shimmering blue of the sea, and the burst of colour from vermillion poppies and scarlet rooftops find their way into almost every brushstroke.

“I never work indoors,” Aristotelis explains. “I must get out to explore the shapes and shadows of the hills, the endless array of colours, the ever-changing light.” His process is an intimate one. Rather than painting vast vistas, he focuses on smaller sections of the landscape, reducing and abstracting the forms to their essentials. The result is a body of work that is as much about the experience of being in nature as it is about representing it. Using large brushes and palette knives, Aristotelis applies oil paint with sweeping gestures, building texture and form as though sculpting the landscape itself.

His approach to painting is deeply intuitive and physical, with the large-scale canvases echoing the expansive spaces he paints. Interestingly, his technique carries over to his figurative works as well. When painting the human form, Aristotelis approaches it as he would a landscape—considering the volume, the flow of light and shadow, and the way the figure inhabits the space around it. This cross-pollination of techniques gives his figurative work a unique vitality and depth, adding to the sense of innovation that pervades his entire practice.
Aristotelis’ passion for landscapes began in his childhood, sparked by a painting he saw in a neighbor’s house. This early experience left an indelible mark on him, and even today, every time he approaches a blank canvas, he seeks to recapture the wonder and excitement of that first encounter with art. “I try to re-create that same intense feeling of inspiration,” he reflects. And he succeeds. His canvases glow with the energy and colour that define his vision, inviting viewers to share in the magic of his world.

As writer, painter, and art critic Glyn Hughes aptly puts it, “Aristotelis is a Master of the contemporary Cyprus landscape. His work is unique. It is both a highly contemporary vision and timeless as well.”

What makes Aristotelis’ landscapes so compelling is the way he approaches painting as an exploration. For him, the act of painting is a journey, an investigation of unexpected shapes and forms. His works invite us to look deeper, to appreciate the play of light and colour, and to experience the landscape in a new way. In every canvas, there is a sense of discovery—of finding beauty in the familiar and seeing the world with fresh eyes.
​
As he continues to push the boundaries of his craft, both in landscapes and figurative works, Aristotelis stands at the forefront of contemporary Cypriot art, offering a vision that is both personal and universal. His paintings not only capture the essence of Cyprus but also the emotional resonance of nature itself, leaving an indelible impression on all who view them.

Pour la huitième fois, les Fêtes Maritimes de Brest vont rassembler plus d’un millier de bateaux venus du monde entier. C’est l’extraordinaire richesse d’un patrimoine culturel maritime et de savoir-faire qui se donne rendez-vous à Brest du 12 au 17 juillet 2024.
Les concerts et animationsQue vous soyez amateurs de musique traditionnelle, de street art, de fanfares, d’ambiance festive ou que vous ayez envie d’embarquer pour une mission paléoclimatique poétique… laissez vous surprendre par la programmation culturelle inouïe et éclectique des Fêtes maritimes !

The ʿAin Ghazal statues are large-scale lime plaster and reed statues discovered at the archaeological site of ʿAin Ghazal in Amman, Jordan, dating back to approximately 9,000 years ago (made between 7200 BC and 6250 BCE), from the Pre-Pottery Neolithic C period. A total of 15 statues and 15 busts were discovered in 1983 and 1985 in two underground caches, created about 200 years apart.

The statues are among the earliest large-scale representations of the human form and represent remarkable specimens of prehistoric art from the Pre-Pottery Neolithic B or C period. Their purpose remains uncertain, with archaeologists believing they may have been buried just after production, having possibly been made with that intent. 

The ʿAin Ghazal Statues are today part of the collections of The Jordan Museum in Amman, with some also on display at the Amman Citadel's Jordan Archaeological Museum, while a few have been loaned to foreign museums: one statue is in the Louvre Museum in Paris; parts of three other statues can be seen at the British Museum in London;  and one of the figures with two heads is on show in the Louvre Abu Dhabi. 

The red-bellied piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri) is a freshwater fish native to South America. It is best known for its sharp teeth and strong jaws, which make it a formidable predator. Despite their fearsome reputation, red-bellied piranhas primarily scavenge and consume plants, insects, and small animals.
These fish are characterized by their silvery body with a distinctive reddish hue on their bellies, especially prominent during breeding season. They usually live in rivers, streams, and flooded forests, forming schools that provide protection from predators.
While often misunderstood, red-bellied piranhas are an important part of their ecosystem, contributing to the balance of aquatic life. They are a fascinating species that continue to intrigue scientists and nature enthusiasts alike.

​Masques portés au sud de Sri Lanka par les guérisseurs lors de danses d'exorcisme visant à mettre en scène les démons responsables de maladies, pour ensuite les chasser du corps du patient. Don Alexandre Imbert (1865-1943) Ancienne collection Marguerite-Marie Thiollier (1908-2001) 

​Masks worn in the south of Sri Lanka by healers during exorcism dances aimed at staging the demons responsible for illnesses, in order to then chase them from the patient's body. Donated by Alexandre Imbert (1865-1943) Former collection of Marguerite-Marie Thiollier (1908-2001)