Biography of vaco baissac

Mauritian artist (1940–2023)

Joseph Charles Jacques Desiré Baissac (1940^[1] – 4 February 2023),^[2] known professionally as Vaco, was a Mauritian artist, best known for his depictions of island life through painting, stained glass, sculpture, jewellery design and ceramics.^[3]

Vaco was a defender of the Mauritian Creole language and the idea that all Mauritians can communicate through a common language is integral to the culture of Mauritius, so much so that he said he painted the Creole language and identified as a Creole artist.^[4]

Early life

The eldest of four children, Vaco grew up in Curepipe.^[5] His father Yves Baissac was the town architect and his brother Jean Claude Baissac was another well known Mauritian artist.^[6]

He attended St Joseph's College, Curepipe and was active in the local art and theater scene from his teens.

He left Mauritius in 1964 to study art in Paris and Brussels.^[7