This blog on New Caledonia is for those of you who ever wondered what life on a tiny island in the South Pacific might be like. Tired of bracing winter winds, the stress of an inner city or simply dreaming of a life change? This is a blog about what happens when, in the words of Yogi Berra, "you come to a fork in the road, [and] take it".

09 August 2007

New Caledonia's Local Art and Souvenirs

"Les couleurs de Tina" is one of our favourite little market stalls in Noumea. A local artist sells his superb island paintings for next to nothing (1000-1500 francs - or EUR 8.38-12.57) here.

He reminds me of all the portrait artists in Montmartre at the Place de Tertre. The difference is yes, his subject (island scenes and animals), and the fact that he is one of the only artists displaying his paintings in a public place (unlike the millions in Paris' Montmartre).

For the little he charges, I would definitely recommend his paintings as souvenirs to take home. They are both original and beautiful - and definitely better than a postcard!

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Et bien il a un sacré coup de pinceau ! Magnifiques !

Anthony said...

Have you gone back to France and taken some of the beautiful souvenirs with you?

Anonymous said...

Welcome back to la belle France Julie.
We are missing you.
Read from you soon.
Warm regards and best wishes to you and all your visitors. Marc

John said...

I am going back to new Caledonia in a few weeks with P&O and I will be trying to get to some local markets to purchase some local made items. Last time I was there I didnt see anything but what I did see was very much overpriced.

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pharmacy said...

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Unknown said...

Can you please let me know if this artist paints natives of nouveau and sells them in the markets on the second level of the building where cruise ships come in

JHG said...

I'm very sorry - it's been a while since I've been back to see this artist. I do know that there is a boutique (or boutiques) where the ships come in. I hope you can find something there. Otherwise, you could try walking 10 minutes into town to the main square to see if any vendors are sharing their work. There are a few tourist shops along the way which may have what you're looking for. Good luck!