Definition

According to the free encyclopedia, Wikipedia, the Gouzous "are small anthropomorphous characters that often appear in collage or more often in graffiti within a Reunionese urban setting.  Created and drawn by Jace, a local artist, they owe their celebrity to the highly humouristic character of their illegal insertion in the surrounding space, notably on the wall posters."     

The Gouzou is an integral part of the Réunionese lifestyle.  They live, eat and sleep under the Réunionese's eyes.  Whether we saw it hang by the foot at the top of a cliff along the coastal road or thrown out from a banana in the "Ruelle Tarzan" of the town of Saint-Pierre in the south of the island, the Gouzou expresses its happiness or anger.  It conveys messages according to its mood and which sometimes deal with sensitive issues, but always in a humouristic tone.     

The author

Jace is born in Normandy.  Arriving at the age of 9 in Réunion Island, he was soon given the status of an island child.  Obtaining a degree in biology at the University of Saint-Denis, Jace decides to introduce his character in Réunion in 1999, after having stayed in the Mainland France for further studies.  Jace always thinks of his character.  The author knows that he can give birth to his character all across the island.       

Over the time, the Gouzou becomes a full character.  It first introduces itself in Havre, then in Réunion Island.  Thanks to an exhibition held in London and Munich, he receives his European passport in 2003 and in 2004, he obtains an international consecration in New-York.  Today, Jace lives on his art along with his exhibitions, books, posters or orders like the one he received in November 2007 by the rum company, Rivière du Mat.  If in the broad daylight, the artist reveals himself along with his latest projects, he promises to keep on surprising the public in boosting the Gouzou to intervene in society.