L’Envers de l’île at Musée Léon Dierx Explores Réunion’s Colonial History and Contemporary Art

The exhibition titled 'L’Envers de l’île' at the Musée Léon Dierx in Saint-Denis, Réunion, is curated by Nathalie Gonthier and Bernard Leveneur, and it tackles the island's historical narrative gap. Spanning from the 19th to the 21st centuries, it showcases a diverse array of artworks, such as engravings, photographs, paintings, installations, videos, sculptures, and drawings. The display contrasts archival materials with modern creations, emphasizing colonial history. Central to the exhibition is landscape, featuring Gabrielle Manglou’s lithograph of a volcano and installations by Kid & Boogie. Intimate elements are represented in Catherine Boyer’s drawings and Leila Decomble’s photographs, while Jean-Claude Jolet’s red altar reconstruction delves into spiritual themes. The exhibition presents a nuanced iconography that juxtaposes colonial fantasies with a creolized society.