Artist Alçay Idriss Mourouvaye from Réunion Island is captivating visitors at the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris with his vibrant paintings that transport viewers to the tropical beauty of his homeland. The exhibition, running until August 25 at the Davioud Pavilion, showcases works created by the Réunionnais painter over the past ten years, offering a colorful journey through the landscapes of Réunion Island.

Mourouvaye, dressed in a white shirt that matches his white hair and beard, enthusiastically greets visitors passing through the Parisian park. He enjoys approaching guests to hear their thoughts about his artwork. When he asked one visitor what she thought of his paintings, she replied admiringly, "Yes, it's very beautiful!" When pressed about what specifically appealed to her, she responded without hesitation, "The colors."

The artist draws inspiration from great Impressionist masters like Monet and Van Gogh while adding his own distinctive touch to his sometimes enigmatic creations. Most of his inspiration comes from the diverse landscapes of Réunion Island, where each color carries special meaning. Turquoise blue represents the island's lagoon, ultramarine blue recalls the depth of the ocean, and splashes of red and orange serve as reminders that this "intense island" is fundamentally a volcanic territory where all elements blend together.

"We have transported Réunion Island into the Luxembourg Gardens," the artist proudly declares. He is supported in this endeavor by his son Moustafa, who is a poet. This concept explains the exhibition's title, "L'Isle au Jardin" (The Island in the Garden), which includes a barely veiled reference to the famous Réunionnais author Leconte de Lisle.

Visitors have responded positively to the calming effect of Mourouvaye's work. One art enthusiast commented, "The use of color is very well executed. There's a lot of blue. There's something soothing about these paintings." She jokingly added that the exhibition brings a bit of freshness to Parisians who haven't gone on vacation.

While the current exhibition is relatively short, Mourouvaye has plans to extend his Parisian presence in a private gallery in the coming months. This extension will allow vacationers returning to Paris to enjoy his invitation to travel through art and potentially find buyers for his colorful paintings. The artist's blend of aesthetics and poetry offers viewers an immersive experience that captures the essence of Réunion Island's natural beauty and volcanic energy.