Gael Froget was born in 1986 in Mauritius. From a young age, his character was marked by creativity. After developing an interest in music, he eventually embarked on a career in fashion. Following his fashion studies in Kuala Lumpur, he joined a prestigious fashion house. The world of fashion and the freedom it embodies remain one of the major influences in his art.

At the same time, his career as an artist began in Mauritius. After being discovered by the IMAAYA Gallery, which is well-known in the Indian Ocean region, his first solo show was a resounding success. Gael decided to dedicate himself entirely to his art and return to his homeland. A self-taught artist, Gael brought freshness and innovation to the Mauritian art scene. From the outset, his style and techniques stood out for their uniqueness and the boldness of his artistic decisions. Gael ventured abroad, took risks, and collaborated with others. Far from limiting himself to his studio, it is through experimentation and innovation in his artistic approaches that he distinguishes himself.

Over the years, Gael has participated in numerous exhibitions with renowned galleries and has been featured in prestigious private collections, both in Mauritius and internationally. He is the only contemporary living Mauritian artist to have been exhibited in New York, Miami, London, and Nice. His success in the private sector has also led to collaborations with major luxury brands, including the Shangri-La Group and Emirates Airline.

Gael’s influences are diverse, mostly tied to his history and journey. We find the dynamism and freedom of the fashion world, combined with African influences and the history of Mauritius. Creole culture frequently appears in his work, reflecting his pride in his origins and the rich cultural heritage of his island. However, it is the emotions, feelings, fears, and desires that are at the heart of his artwork. His work encourages reflection and questioning, almost in a philosophical manner, offering a global social portrait. The influence of fast fashion and consumer society, nature, and our relationship with beauty and self-image are all themes interwoven in his work.

What makes Gael’s style unique is his blending of artistic styles—contemporary African art mixed with influences from great masters such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Pablo Picasso, Keith Haring, and Mark Bradford. His deep interest in the human being and its complexity is also akin to the work of Francis Bacon and Jenny Saville.

His techniques and influences are in constant evolution. Nothing is fixed in his creation. However, over the years and through various series, recurring themes emerge: acrylic paint, spray paint, textile use, and collage. It is rare for the artist to focus on just one medium to create his work, preferring mixed techniques. Like an ode to freedom, Gael creates in movement, utilizing his space and focusing on multiple works simultaneously. Much like dog-earing the pages of a book, Gael mistreats his pieces to bring out the best in them. It is common for him to walk on his works, a signature gesture of his, as if leaving his mark beyond just his name.

VLFineart’s Vision

Through his art, Gael invites us on an inner journey, a reflection on our own thoughts and emotions. His works serve as mirrors that reflect our modern society in search of identity. The vibrant colors can symbolize joy or anger.