Brussels 31.01.2025. This year BRAFA galleries offer a splendid opportunity to explore versatility, and mesmerizing aesthetic value of African art.
Undoubtedly the Ngon masks on display at Montagut Gallery, Barcelona, stand out, and attract a special attention by the mysterious aura, along with of Baule gold ornaments.
In ensemble they reflect the versatility and opulence of Africa’s cultural heritage. Five Exceptional Ngon Masks, each representing the affluent cultural heritage of Cameroon. These objects are remarkable for both their aesthetic composition, and for their historical value. The Ngon masks of such quality and significance are rarity, upgrading this display to an exceptional and unique event.
Ngon masks, often carved with remarkable detail, are emblematic of the cultural and spiritual practices of the Grassfields region. Traditionally used in ceremonies, these masks symbolize power, protection, and identity within their communities.
Gold Ornaments of the Baule Culture of Côte d’Ivoire. Each piece reflects the Baule people’s artistic mastery and cultural significance, showcasing their exceptional craftsmanship in goldsmithing and their deep connection to tradition. All the ornaments in this collection come from a single Italian collection, Giovanni Franco Scanzi , making their provenance as remarkable as their craftsmanship. These works highlight the symbolic use of gold in Baule rituals and adornments, celebrating themes such as beauty, prestige, and spiritual power.
*Giovanni Franco Scanzi was is a prominent collector and expert in African art, renowned for his extensive collection of ethnographic objects, particularly traditional Lobi and Akan art. He has made significant contributions to promoting African art through exhibitions and publications. One of his most notable achievements includes organizing exhibitions of Akan gold jewelry in Europe, particularly in Italy, highlighting the craftsmanship of Ivorian artisans.
Ngon masks are one of the many types that appear at commemorative ceremonies held for deceased persons in the kingdoms of Cameroon. These sets of masks, in the possession of various lineages, can include more than twenty masks, most of which represent different figures.
The gallerist Serge Schoffel first encountered tribal art in his early twenties. It was love at first sight. Nowadays he has been engaged with the universe of tribal art for more than 30 years. Mr.Schoffel is not a foreigner to Brussels: in 2003, he opened his gallery at Sablon, joining the ensemble of the Art hub of the capital.
At his edition of BRAFA he offers a fine selection of high-quality sculptures from Sub-Saharan Africa, Oceania, Southeast Asia and America.
The striving for excellence brought Serge Schoffel the membership of ROCAD, and the Belgian Chamber of Experts in Works of Art. He has also curated various exhibitions and published numerous books and catalogues. Several new projects in development to be introduced during BRAFA. This year display of art works is an eloquent demonstration of his exquisite taste not only of art objects, but for their presentation, placing the artefacts in a setting of African sunshine.
This year Art Fair displays a variety of African artefacts representing historic, aesthetic, religious, ethnographic significance, however in the overwhelming majority of cases African art manifests itself as a synthesis of all of these features. Among them those enigmatic pieces which need a mediation of a devoted expert to be understood, but mostly powerful, and expressive, communicating directly with a viewer. Fascinating, opulent, and highly aesthetic, being a source of inspiration for generations of artists world-wide, African art offers infinite variety of elements, being a eternal magnet for the visitor.
The practical information about the BRAFA Fair:
https://www.brafa.art/fr/access
Ngon masks, often carved with remarkable detail, are emblematic of the cultural and spiritual practices of the Grassfields region. Traditionally used in ceremonies, these masks symbolize power, protection, and identity within their communities.
Gold Ornaments of the Baule Culture of Côte d’Ivoire. Each piece reflects the Baule people’s artistic mastery and cultural significance, showcasing their exceptional craftsmanship in goldsmithing and their deep connection to tradition. All the ornaments in this collection come from a single Italian collection, Giovanni Franco Scanzi , making their provenance as remarkable as their craftsmanship. These works highlight the symbolic use of gold in Baule rituals and adornments, celebrating themes such as beauty, prestige, and spiritual power.
At his edition of BRAFA he offers a fine selection of high-quality sculptures from Sub-Saharan Africa, Oceania, Southeast Asia and America.
The striving for excellence brought Serge Schoffel the membership of ROCAD, and the Belgian Chamber of Experts in Works of Art. He has also curated various exhibitions and published numerous books and catalogues. Several new projects in development to be introduced during BRAFA. This year display of art works is an eloquent demonstration of his exquisite taste not only of art objects, but for their presentation, placing the artefacts in a setting of African sunshine.
AFRICA DIPLOMATIC 