Moris Ikonik: A Soulful Coffee Table Book Honouring Mauritian Culture
Moris Ikonik is more than just a coffee table book — it’s a heartfelt tribute to the culture, creativity, and soul of Mauritius. Curated by three passionate women, this beautifully crafted publication brings together the voices and visions of local artists, including some of my own work. In this post, I share a few reflections on the book, what makes it special, and why it deserves a place in every Mauritian home.
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3/23/20253 min read
Moris Iconik – A Tribute to the Soul of Mauritius
20 March 2025 marked the official launch of Moris Iconik, a coffee table book that is more than just a visual collection — it is a soulful journey through the heartbeat of Mauritius. This beautifully curated project captures the vibrant essence of our island, celebrating its heritage, its people, and its unique cultural tapestry.
A Vision Brought to Life by Three Passionate Women
At the core of Moris Iconik lies the incredible work of three visionary women: Sandra Mussard, Elena Boulart, and Melissa Leclézio from In Other Words Editions, a publishing house dedicated to bringing inspiring ideas to life. With grace, determination, and artistic sensibility, they have brought together a book that feels both deeply personal and proudly collective.
Their commitment to documenting and elevating Mauritian culture through powerful visuals and compelling narratives is nothing short of inspiring.
Their collaboration speaks volumes about what can be achieved when creative minds align with authenticity. Through their lenses and words, they’ve managed to translate what we often feel about our island — but struggle to express — into something tangible, beautiful, and lasting.
Capturing the Mauritian Vibe with Elegance
This book doesn’t just depict Mauritius — it feels like Mauritius. From the imagery to the textures, the choice of typography, and the flow of each page, Moris Iconik exudes that relaxed-yet-bold island character that defines our everyday reality. It brings to light the subtle harmony of contrasts — heritage and modernity, street and seascape, rhythm, and stillness.
As someone deeply connected to the creative and photographic scene – and grateful to have a few of my own photographs featured in the book - what struck me most was the editorial precision paired with a very down-to-earth, heartfelt tone. It avoids clichés while still remaining deeply familiar. It’s not a glossy outsider’s take on Mauritius — it’s ours.
Honouring the Artists Who Give Mauritius Its Voice
Equally important is the recognition of the many talented Mauritian artists who are featured in the book:
Brian Lamoureux, Camille Grenouille, Alexandre Lassémillante, Anne-Lise Ramooloo, Arvin Ombika, Catherine Li, Diane Heise/Koleksion Abaim, GADA, Jacques de Spéville, Julie Télot, Karen Pang, Keivan Cadinouche, Kevin Stephant, Lilian Felix, Max Gifted, Michel Vuillermet, Noémie de Ravel, Patrick Laverdant, Stéphane Mussard, Thomas Jean Louis, Vincent Montocchio, Xavier Koenig, Yahia Nazroo.
Their work — whether photographic, poetic, or illustrative — adds incredible richness and diversity to the pages. Each artist represents a different perspective, a different heartbeat, yet the whole comes together seamlessly.
As creatives, we often navigate the fine line between preserving our roots and expressing our evolution. Moris Iconik gives us that space to be seen — in our authenticity, our struggles, our joy, and our artistry.
A Personal Reflection — and Some Insights for Creatives
Over the past few months, I’ve had the privilege to engage in various conversations about art, identity, and the importance of letting our work speak for itself. Moris Ikonik embodies many of those reflections. Some key insights that emerge, and which I hope fellow creatives can take away:
Authenticity is magnetic: The rawness and truth in each contribution is what gives the book its power.
Collaboration is a multiplier: This project is a reminder that when vision and humility meet, the result is far greater than the sum of its parts
Preserving local culture is not nostalgia — it's continuity: Projects like Moris Iconik don’t freeze time. They extend it. They anchor us while allowing our stories to evolve.
Quality matters: From the paper choice to the photography curation and layout, every detail has been thoughtfully handled — a benchmark for any of us looking to publish or curate our work.
Representation in context: The book gives local artists the space to be interpreted in their own cultural frame — not through the lens of global trends, but through the eyes of a place that is proudly Mauritian.
Final Thoughts
As someone deeply connected to the creative and photographic scene – and grateful to have a few of my own photographs featured in the book – what struck me most was the editorial precision paired with a very down-to-earth, heartfelt tone.
If you haven’t had the chance to experience the book yet, I highly recommend it — whether you’re a creative, a collector, or simply someone who wants to feel closer to the soul of our island. Grab your copies of Moris Ikonik (French and English versions available) at Creative Park Beau Plan up to 30 March 2025 and also all-year round at My Pop Up Stores in Cap Tamarin, Nouvelle Usine Mangalkhan and Bagatelle Mall.
To the three women who brought this to life — and to all the artists featured — thank you for creating something that will outlive trends and stand as a true cultural landmark.