Marylou Mahe
Specialist Media
Kalja’s Art Director
Originally from Waa Wi Lûû, in the north of Kanaky/New Caledonia, I've always wanted to represent the beauty of my island through my work. My illustrations attempt to highlight the cultures of the Pacific.
Having completed two Master's thesis on the indigenous Hawaiian people as part of my Master's Research in 2021, I've had the opportunity to study in depth the uniqueness of Oceanian peoples, the same uniqueness that animates my drawings. My first thesis focused on the American and colonial construction of the ‘Hawaiian’ identity and my second thesis explored the feminist voices of indigenous women in 21st century Hawaiian literature.
I believe in art as a means of raising social awareness, which is why my illustrations often represent my personal commitments, such as preserving the environment and indigenous peoples, as well as the status of women in our societies. I specialise in children's illustration and my aim is to publish and illustrate my own tales inspired by my island.
I am also behind the entire design of Kalja Magazine, led by members of MWT. As its Artistic Director, I wanted to bring to life a platform that reflects a Melanesia in motion — a movement of recognition, but also of rebirth, strength, and beauty. This project is deeply meaningful to me, and it pushed me to grow as a designer, an artist, and a collaborator. I hope that my small contribution to the vast cultural legacy of Melanesia will serve and inspire the generations to come.