Paris, France —There were the treasures of the influential Kuba Kingdom of the Congo: masks, cups, boxes and textiles. The masks and objects of the Lega people of the Congo are juxtaposed with the modern works of the contemporary Cuban painter Mikimando at the Vallois 41 gallery. A  long wall painting on canvas by an unknown artist from Benin depicts the Aftermath of the Battle of Abé Kouta at the end of 19th or early 20th century  is being presented by the Galerie Bernard Dulon. And in a knowledgeable nod to the 100th anniversary of the Surrealist movement, founded by André Breton in 1924, an exhibition showcasing the works of tribal art that influenced Surrealist art and literature is being presented by Charles-Wesley Hourdé + Nicolas Rolland. The Surrealists were also early collectors of tribal art. A mask from the Yup’ik Culture of Alaska is a highlight of the Surrealist show.

These displays emerged during one of the most awaited events on the European cultural calendar and this year the Parcours des Mondes fair showed true again bringing the different and distant worlds of the planet to the Left Bank of Paris. These are the tribal or early arts, these are the arts of Asia, the Americas, Oceania and Africa, faraway lands that travel to the heart of the Beaux-Arts quarter of Saint-Germain-des-Prés on the Left Bank. Parcours des Mondes once again emerged on the Parisian art scene this fall with the 23rd rendition of the show being held from September 10th to September 15th, bringing together a stunning and rich array of objects from Parisian galleries but also visiting galleries from all over the world that are hosted by Parisian galleries. Some 60 renowned dealers specializing in these arts were on hand for this year’s event. It is totally accessible to the public as well as collectors who also come from all over the world. 

This year’s honorary president was Marc Ladreit de Lacharrière, French businessman, patron of the arts and accomplished collector of tribal art who has donated 38 exceptional works of African and Oceanic art to the musée du quai Branly-Jacques Chirac housed in an exceptional exhibition space designed by Jean Nouvel. « The fact that it (Parcours des Mondes) is open to all visitors free of charge and that it occupies an entire historic district of Paris rather than an exhibition hall, makes it unique and welcoming, » he commented. Many of the exhibitions on display remain even after the fair has ended, notably the Legado Exhibition at Vallois 41 running until September 28th and the Surrealism exhibition which is on until September 20th. The Galerie Bernard Dulon is specialised in the tribal arts of Africa and displays them throughout the year in this Parisian gallery. ©Trish Valicenti for The Gourmet Gazette. https://www.parcours-des-mondes.com/en/

See also: https://thegourmetgazette.com/2022/03/20/approaching-auction-a-rare-and-marvelous-mask-of-the-ngil-secret-society/