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None of the three seems to truly believe it. Yet, on this Saturday, October 17, they are indeed the ones who have just been declared the winners of the fifth edition of the Saint-Barthélemy Artists’ Fair: Faiza Belkhatir for graphic arts, Liza Blanchard for photography, and Clara Cellerier for sculpture. All smiles, Charles Moreau, director of the Wall House Museum, poses among the artists chosen by the Salon’s visitors. For that is the very principle of the event: the public votes to select its favorite works.
Surprise, “a bit of a headache,” and pride
“Right now, I’m still very surprised because I really wasn’t expecting it,” says Faiza Belkhatir. “It’s always a pleasure to participate in the Salon des artistes. But I didn’t expect to win.” ” Her two fellow artists share this sentiment. “This is my first time participating, and it was a wonderful exhibition,” says Liza Blanchard. “I was surprised to see that there are so many artists on the island, and I think they should be given more recognition. I’ve been doing underwater photography for twenty years, but this is the first time I’ve entered a contest, so I’m very proud!” Clara Cellerier, while acknowledging that she’s “happy” to have won, adds: “In the sculpture category, there were very few participants—just the three of us—so I would have liked more competition. But it was the first time I’d created a large-scale piece. It took me a long time—and a lot of brainpower, too! It’s nice to know that people liked it.”
Faiza Belkhatir has lived in Saint Barth since 2013; she works in the school cafeteria in the mornings and paints in the afternoons. Liza Blanchard has been on the island for sixteen years; she is the director of La Ligne Saint-Barth and vice president of the CESCE. As for Clara Cellerier, a native of the island, she’s back to settle down. “I’m not working right now—I’m on maternity leave, and that’s a full-time job,” she jokes.
“Being Strong and Delicate”
The three artists naturally have a special perspective on their creation. Clara explains: “It was all in my head. I chose a winged key because it reminded me of a flying fish—I love playing in the waves, and sometimes I leave my emotions and secrets in the waves when I go out to let off steam. And I found the root in Toiny. I thought it was beautiful to combine wood and the sea. I’ve been fascinated by stained glass for a very long time, but it’s a very complicated art because you have to be both strong and delicate.” Liza simply let herself be carried away by two of her passions: the sea and photography. “The underwater world has fascinated me for years,” she says. “Turtles are so beautiful to watch as they swim. You capture a sense of movement between the waves, the sea, and the turtle swimming in the lagoon…” For Faiza, the approach was quite different: “I wanted to take on the challenge of exhibiting a piece for the first time. It’s dear to me because it represents a loss I experienced six years ago. I was able to symbolize that loss through painting. I put a part of myself on display.”
A Little More Visibility
Furthermore, the three women emphasize the need for the Salon to continue. “It’s a showcase for the island’s artists—the only one we have, in fact,” Faiza adds. “We care deeply about it. My hope is that one day it will take place on a date when there are a few more people on the island. But it gives us a chance to get together, see each other, and talk…” Clara adds: “At every edition, we discover new artists, even if they aren’t professionals. It’s a very diverse group, which makes voting really hard. But we get to see everyone’s perspective on the island. I used to be an elementary school teacher in Lorient, and I brought the kids along. They loved being able to express their opinions and vote based on their emotions, which are very different from ours.”
Liza reiterates her surprise at seeing so many artists and creations on the island. “Everyone brings their own emotions and story; it’s important to preserve that,” she confirms. “I’m glad Charles (Moreau) was able to move it to a different location. We have a little more visibility. It’s tricky to make a name for yourself—especially when you’re exhibiting for the first time.”
The Salon’s closing event was organized as part of the Cem’Art, hosted by the Multiprofessional Economic Chamber. It served as an additional exhibition opportunity for the artists. As for those who weren’t selected by the public, they’ll have another chance to win over visitors next year.
