James Castel

My name is James Castel, and I come from Rodrigues—more precisely, from the small coastal village of Baie aux Huîtres. I am a self-taught artist who has been painting since 1977, though my passion began much earlier. As a child herding sheep in the hills, I would draw inspiration from the surrounding landscapes and sketch on anything I could find, from flat rocks to tree trunks.

Over the years, I have explored a wide range of techniques and styles, from sketching to watercolor to oil painting. My greatest source of inspiration remains the landscapes and cultural heritage of Rodrigues, which I strive to share with the world through my art. Today, my works have found their way to collections across the globe.

In 1993, following an exhibition at the University of the Mascarenes, I joined fellow Rodriguan artists to establish the Organization of Artists of Rodrigues. Since then, the island has become home to around fifty painters and sculptors, with several pursuing fine arts studies in France and Mauritius.

My artistic journey has also allowed me to exhibit internationally, in Mauritius, Réunion Island, the Seychelles, Sweden, Slovenia, France, Martinique, and India.