Translator: Fatima Al-Ibrahim Reviewer: Riaki Poništ
I was two years old when a guitar saw me.
She called me.
She called the whole of me.
My mind, my body, my soul.
Even if there was only one string on that guitar
that one and only sound made me believe in the magic of art.
Instinctively, my left hand rang the start.
(Guitalele music)
(Guitalele music ends)
When I was 12,
on my first day,
it was also my last day
(Chuckles)
at the only music school at the time.
The teacher told me that I will not be able to learn music
because I held the guitar upside down.
Ummm...
I won't learn then.
I will play.
But learn English.
Learn French.
Learn to count your money.
Travel and be free.
That's what my mother told me.
Thank you, mama.
(Picks a string)
(Guitalele music)
Ah -
Discovering a big world. We have so many countries.
Bad people.
Good people.
The diversity of cultures.
So many languages.
So many possible instruments for peace.
So many faces.
Each member of any origins I've ever played for,
any artist or friends I've met,
we consciously shared our experiences.
I was reaching for an understanding of my place in the world
while observing patiently, for more than 15 years, the human nature.
My home is definitely art.
(Guitalele music)
(Guitalele music ends)
And what about Mauritius?
What about Mauritius?
So much magic.
I witness art do in so many foreign countries,
so many lives relevant because of art.
Societies are actually vibrant and healthy.
Thanks to art.
Jobs, purpose, intent, remedy.
Art
is magic.
Art can do so many things.
Art can save lives. Of art, saved me.
(Guitalele music)
(Guitalele music ends)
I was reaching for an understanding of my place in the world.
Art, my home is definitely art.
(Guitalele music)
And I'm sure that I'm not alone.
(Guitalele music)
(Guitalele music ends)
Art is a main reason why I'm standing in front of you tonight.
I firmly believe,
I really really believe
that art is present in each one life,
from early childhood to the very end.
They will embrace the harmonious existence.
Art inspires.
Art frees.
Art celebrates.
My dream is to create space
to nurture future generations
of glorious Mauritian artists.
They will shine in Mauritius.
They will shine in the world.
They will shine in time.
My name is Eric Triton.
I am an artist.
My name is Eric Triton.
I am a human being.
I can be
a positive agent for social change.
I can be
a positive agent
for social evolution through art.
And I'm sure that I'm not alone.
So those who share my vision, come forward,
because unity is a key.
Thank you.
(Applause)