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"THE JUNE 2011 BRUNEAF TRIBAL FAIR IN BRUSSELS" *Primary Photography Michael Auliso, Supplemental Photography Clive Loveless |
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This years Bruneaf Fair brought decent weather and offered an art experience that is unequalled in density and diversity. That said, there was a lack of stellar pieces. This was exactly the case at the San Francisco Tribal Show; the last two years and in a down market, what else could be expected? As the number and frequency of sales shrink, dealers aren't replenishing inventory as rapidly. As a result they may be fearful of showing a great object because they don't want their best piece killed from wide exposure. To a lesser extent is the perception that you can't get the price you want in a soft market. Great objects are still around but they are not being "shown" as much. When sales and prices finally rebound, this will all change in my view. Feedback I got from African dealers suggested that the sales activity was concentrated in objects that were 8000 euros and under, which was disappointing for many. Some dealers felt there was definite lack of customer interest for pieces that were 12000 euros and up. In addition to 65 participating dealers there were two tribal art auctions which included: Native, Lempertz, and Pierre Berge & Associates. This year the show organizers printed several very helpful large board-like maps around the Sablon. A viewer could instantly locate various galleries not only for the Bruneaf fair but also for the simultaneously occurring BAAF (Brussels Ancient Art Fair) and BOA (Brussels Oriental Art Fair). Good job guys! I didn't attend this fair last year so it was fascinating to see the changes in and around the Sablon. Dealers with the financial means are taking advantage of expiring leases, more favorable real estate prices and gallery attrition to buy leases or entire buildings. Philippe Laeremans, Didier Claes, Serger Schoffel, Joris Visser and Patrick Mestdagh all have new galleries.
Kevin Conru armed with his "lucky pipe" to spur buying activity
Kevin Conru
Inside Herma Visser's chic apartment on Ernest Allard
Bruce Frank (NY) answering questions on opening day
Galeria Raquel y Guilhem Montagut
Montagut with an expressive Yombe maternity figure
Montagut with a selection of Kota reliquary figures
A pair of these classy flower-laden urns greeted customers at Dalton Somare's Gallery
Court yard at Dalton Somare gallery
Ambre Congo: Pierre Loos, Thomas Bayet & Sophie Caltaux with a thematic exhibition "oriqinaux argentiques anciens d' Afrique- raphia & Co"
Ambre Congo
a lavish old staircase in 7 rue des Sablons, located at Ambre Congo's exhibition
Tim Teuten, retired Christies Specialist (right) chatting with an old friend
foyer of 17 Impasse Saint-Jacques which hosts multiple dealers
Ambre Congo, Upstairs in 17 Impasse Saint-Jacques.
Ambre Congo
Interior Pierre Dartevelle's gallery. Jean Fritz of Sotheby's compares notes with Tim Teuten
Brant Mackley and Michael Evans (right) exhibiting their second year at Bruneaf, this time in a new gallery right on 5 Impasse Saint-Jacques. Brant next to Maori canoe prow and Michael next to a rare New Guinea Chambri Lakes Shield
I think this was Alain Guisson & Yannik Van Ruysevelt's Gallery? Correct me if I'm wrong.
Alain Guisson & Yannik Van Ruysevelt's Gallery?
Upstairs of Serge Schoffel's new gallery on 14 rue watteeu
Serge Schoffel. He told me that he and Lulu barely got the gallery finished in time for the fair. Good job guys, I wish you great success with this new space!
Schoffel (left) a stone likeness of a corn from a Pre-Columbian culture in Mexico. Serge hold me he is still researching the piece. (Right) a Konso shield from Ethiopia. Not many of them around
Schoffel (left) Borneo Hampatong and (Right) Asmat Area "B" shield.
Schoffel's downstairs gallery. Dramatic all black interior. Most of my photos didn't come out. (Left) Maori Canoe prow, New Guinea Blackwater River Hook and a Fang figure (right)
Renaud Vanuxem's gallery on 4 rue Van Moer
(Vanuxem) I had to ask Renaud where the skull was from. I didn't instantly recognize it. Its a rare ancestor skull from the "Andaman Islands"! I understand it sold very quickly.
(Vanuxem) A poor quality photo of a rare pair of Lobi Birds (featured in Bruneaf catalog). Only a handful of these are documented.
Ahhh..... this photo gives me goose bumps! It was taken in the lobby of the NH Jolly Hotel. Bill Jamieson's film crew crams into the elevator with a boxed up purchase in hand before the door closes. Bill's Fiancee Jessica Philips is seen on the right. His face can be seen peeking through. With a heavy heart, I can truly say that you will be dearly missed, you were a real original. Rest in peace my friend!
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