Discover the House of Digital Art: A Fusion of Art, Technology, and Design in Port Louis

Published on 2023-07-03 at 07:54 by Lila Chaleon*

A newly established cultural venue has recently been inaugurated in the central area of Port Louis. Known as the House of Digital Art, it is situated at 6 rue Edith Cavell and serves as a groundbreaking space that delves into the fusion of art, technology, design, and human societies. Operating from Tuesday to Sunday between 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., with extended hours until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, this extraordinary museum provides visitors with an unparalleled cultural experience.

A unique artistic experience

Spanning more than 600m², the House of Digital Art stands as the inaugural permanent establishment in Mauritius solely dedicated to digital art. This fresh cultural venue embraces a pioneering approach to art display by providing immersive and interactive experiences that are accessible to all. Located within the Hôtel du Génie, a 19th-century edifice situated in the heart of Port Louis, this entirely digital art gallery serves as a collaborative platform for artists and scientists, resulting in a truly distinctive immersive encounter. In fact, as of July 28, this gray stone building houses a total of 10 captivating artworks, each offering a distinct kinetic experience.

The House of Digital Art draws upon the founders' experience gained through organizing the Porlwi by Night Festival in 2015, 2016, and 2017. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies, this exceptional venue in Mauritius creates fresh artistic realms and establishes novel connections between art and the public. Collaborations between these seemingly disparate worlds have resulted in awe-inspiring installations like "Laves du temps," a cosmic lava tunnel conceived by Kid Kreol & Boogie from Reunion Island. Additionally, the immersive Genesis room transports visitors into a realm where metal, organic matter, and molten magma intertwine, delivering a captivating artistic experience.

More than just an art gallery

However, the House of Digital Art extends beyond the confines of Port Louis and aspires to serve as a platform for deepening our understanding of the Indian Ocean in an emotional, contemplative, and creative manner. Prior to its establishment, public consultations were conducted with diverse groups including children, young adults, senior citizens, educational institutions, and NGOs. The objective is to foster a more creative society by providing visitors with a culturally enriching experience that resonates on multiple levels.

With a specific creative budget in place, the artworks showcased at the House of Digital Art will undergo renewal every six months starting from February 2024. This approach ensures that visitors will consistently encounter fresh creations and immerse themselves in a perpetually evolving artistic diversity.