Léon Radegonde Becomes First Seychellois Artist at 1-54 London with Restan Lepase
Léon Radegonde is set to become the inaugural artist from Seychelles to showcase his work at 1-54 London, scheduled for 15 to 18 October 2026 at Somerset House. His exhibition, titled Restan Lepase ("the remains of the past"), is produced by DēpART and has the backing of Seychelles' 50th Anniversary Committee. Radegonde, known for his use of found objects, played a role in establishing the Biennale of Seychelles in 1988 and represented his nation at the Venice Biennale in both 2015 and 2017. This will be his first trip to London in four decades. The project will also feature a sound installation by Dr Peter Nicholls and contributions from various researchers, with an exclusive evening event on 13 October.
Key facts
- Léon Radegonde is the first Seychellois artist to exhibit at 1-54 London.
- 1-54 London 2026 runs from 15 to 18 October at Somerset House.
- Radegonde's Special Project is titled Restan Lepase ("the remains of the past").
- The project is proposed and produced by DēpART.
- The presentation coincides with Seychelles' 50th year of independence and is endorsed by the 50th Anniversary Committee.
- Radegonde helped create the Biennale of Seychelles in 1988 and represented Seychelles at the Venice Biennale in 2015 and 2017.
- The trip will be his first visit to London in forty years and his first journey outside Seychelles since his last Venice Biennale appearance.
- An intimate evening with Léon Radegonde is planned for Tuesday 13 October, ahead of the fair opening.
Entities
Artists
- Léon Radegonde
- Martin Kennedy
- Chantel Akworkor Thompson
- Penda Choppy
- Peter Nicholls
- Mairi O'Gorman
- Jude Ally
- Peter Adjaye
- Norbert Salomon
Institutions
- 1-54 London
- Somerset House
- DēpART
- Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Seychelles
- Biennale of Seychelles
- Venice Biennale
- University of Seychelles
- Seychelles Department of Culture
- Creative Seychelles Agency
- 50th Anniversary Committee
- Seychelles Tourism Board
- British High Commission in Seychelles
- Takamaka Rum
Locations
- Seychelles
- London
- United Kingdom
- La Digue
- Somerset House