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Michael Hamson Oceanic Art When I asked Michael about the fair his answer was: "It was a very good show for me. I really tried hard this year to go after pieces never on the market and succeeded in finding a few great things— like the Marquesas figure collected in 1833/34 by American missionaries. Then I found a great Lower Sepik figure from a gentlemen in the UK whose grandfather was a surgeon on a ship to New Guinea in 1909. Then from one of my ads in the NY Times I found a superb small Maori head that I traced back to Oldman buying in 1909, etc. I sold 35 pieces in total but just over half were pre-sold leading up to the exhibition. As usual I produce the catalog and once I have the PDF version of it a few weeks before the show I send it out to my best clients to give them the first shot. Sure this leads to some disappointed people walking in the gallery but my loyalty is to my existing clients who do business with me year in and year out. Overall I think the attendance was good, on par with the last few years. I thought there was good energy and a fair amount of excitement—partly because of my Marquesas figure. I did business with not only my normal clients but nine new ones—so that is a good sign. I didn’t get around to too many other galleries—maybe seven or eight—but I thought the level of quality was high as always. So all in all I think the Parcours showed there is still strength, enthusiasm and interest in the oceanic art market." Yann Ferrandin Michel Thieme (Galerie Serge Schoffel) Orisha Yoruba Exhibit Finch & Co. Galerie Flak Dimondstein Tribal Arts Galerie Bacquart Chris Boylan- Sydney Street Scenes Bruce Frank Galerie Franck Marcelin
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 Another great Parcours has wrapped up and that means my annual review. Since I was unable to attend this year, I'm grateful to Anita Schroeder and Patrick Morgan for taking photos and doing field so I can share them with you. Thus my commentary will be limited but is gleaned from conversations and dealer interviews. Their were many thematic exhibitions, dealer book releases and 6 exciting lectures hosted by the organization. The names I'm told who had exceptional pieces and exhibits include: Bernard Dulon, Dalton Domare, Michael Hamson, Lance Entwistle, Charles Hourde' to name a few. Enjoy.  Galerie David Serra- Barcelona Spain  Galerie Eric Hertault  (Galerie Eric Hertault) Yaure Mask Ivory Coast Bernard De Grunne (Galerie Alain Bovis) Thematic exhibit: "In Praise of Folly"  Rue Visconti Dalton Somare' Charles-Wesley Hourde' Erik Farrow  (Montagut Gallery) Always with a high impact exterior.  Galerie Abla et Alain Lecomte (Lucas Ratton) Fine Baule Couple ??? This Dutch dealer alledgedly stole a Parcours Banner for their gallery, but it didn't go unnoticed. Its widely thought that all of their pieces were reproductions. They even had a five volume book set for sale too... Nonparticipating dealers are called "pirates". Kevin Conru. For the fair Kevin announced his new book: "Sepik Ramu Art". Galerie Patrick Frolic   Collectors Sam and Sharon Singer Adrian Schlag- Tribal Art Classics Laurent Dodier (left), exhibiting together at Galerie Meyer (Anthony Meyer right) Exterior Entwistle Gallery Wayne Heathcote Gallery Olivier Larroque Joe de Buck Tribal Arts (Bernard Dulon) Nothing was apparently for sale in his exhibit! Interesting strategy and maybe effective if you're trying to entice the most powerful collectors into a private bidding war? Jonathan Hope Galerie Dartevelle
    "Na Mea Makamae". Nice selection of Hawaiian Artifacts from this gallery in Kona HI  "James Stephenson African Art" with a noteworthy Kongo or Yombe Figure  "James Stephenson African Art" He is one of the few dealers who consistently sells well in San Francisco based on quality and price.  "James Stephenson African Art"  "Joshua Dimondstein" Nice group of shields with a striking Maasai example in the center.  "Thomas Murray" Selection of Philippine pieces including an old Bulul seated figure.  "Thomas Murray"  Thomas Murray's booth. Tom is in the center. To his right is John Morris the current show promoter. John is also known for announcing the bands at the landmark Woodstock Music Festival in 1969.  Johathan Fogel- Tribal Art Magazine  SPECIAL PHOTO EXHIBIT: Carol Beckwith & Angela Fisher bring their stunning photography exhibition to the 2019 Tribal show. Select pieces are highlights from a popular exhibition recently at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California. Covering the past 15 years of Beckwith and Fisher’s work in 48 African countries, African Twilight: Vanishing Rituals & Ceremonies is a celebration of Africa’s artistry, boundless creativity, and cultural diversity. Photographers Beckwith and Fisher will give several talks at the fair and sign copies of their just-released book, also called African Twilight. Their photographs, video installation and presentations are not to be missed, and many are on offer. Beckwith and Fisher will attend the exhibit and give three talks, followed by a book signing. Talks are Friday, February 8th, Saturday the 9th,and Sunday the 10th, all at 12 p.m. Admission is free to fairgoers. A unique collection of signed African Twilight photographs and traditional African jewelry will be available as well.  African Twilight: Vanishing Rituals & Ceremonies  African Twilight: Vanishing Rituals & Ceremonies  Dave DeRoche  "Dave DeRoche" In the center is an intriguing Chinese Scholar's Stone.  "Dave DeRoche" A rare style Bamana Ciwara Headdress of a stylized antelope.  "Dave DeRoche" Dave is showing a piece while French dealer Laurent Dodier stands ready to negotiate a price.   Dancing Threads from New Mexico with an impressive Sumatran Ship Cloth above "Palepai"  Aboriginal Art Gallery  Aboriginal Art Gallery  Raccanello Tribal Art- London, Marcus always has old high quality material, mostly Oceanic & Aboriginal.  Raccanello Tribal Art- London  Mark Johnson Tribal Art   Mark Johnson Tribal Art  Mark Johnson Tribal Art   The Zentner Collection- Emeryville CA. Fine selection of Japanese and Asian Antiques.  The Zentner Collection- Emeryville CA  The Zentner Collection- Emeryville CA  Louis Nierijnck Tribal Art Nepal- Maastricht Netherlands  Louis Nierijnck Tribal Art Nepal- Maastricht Netherlands  Louis Nierijnck Tribal Art Nepal- Maastricht Netherlands  Louis Nierijnck Tribal Art Nepal. Attractive Naga Textile with applied Cowrie shells.  (Trotta-Bono, New York) A noteworthy pair of 19th Century Iroquois Masks.  (Trotta-Bono, New York) Always high quality and important Native American Art.  Trotta-Bono, New York  (Trotta-Bono, New York) James Trotta and Ana Bono talking to James Willis- Feb 2019  (Trotta-Bono Booth) 20 minutes before closing, I join Tad and Sandy Dale. Ted Trotta, insisted that Michael Auliso (center) should be photographed this time.  (Trotta-Bono, New York) Left to right: Sandy Dale, Ana Bono, Ted Trotta, Tad Dale  Michael Hamson, Oceanic Art  (Michael Hamson, Oceanic Art) Old New Guinea Middle Sepik Iatmul Mei Mask.  (Michael Hamson, Oceanic Art) A couple New Ireland pieces and a fine Sepik Headrest (far right) .  (Michael Hamson, Oceanic Art) New Guinea Papuan Gulf Bioma Figure. Nice negative space through the body.  Michael Hamson, Oceanic Art  (Michael Hamson, Oceanic Art) A Trobriand Island Massim Shield  (Galerie Dodier- Paris) Laurent Dodier. He is the only French dealer exhibiting at the fair now and only one of a handful of European dealers left. Twelve years ago this show was over SIXTY PERCENT European dealers and there were barriers to entry for American dealers! So much has profoundly changed since then.  (Galerie Dodier- Paris)  (Galerie Dodier- Paris)  (Galerie Dodier- Paris) Standing in the background is Laurent's Partner who is also named Laurent.  (Galerie Dodier- Paris) A selection of New Guinea Abelam and Asmat Art on the outside wall.  (Splendors of the World - Hawaii) Jerry Bock collects Polynesian Art and alwasys brings some great pieces for sale. Note Hawaiian wooden Dagger and Easter Island figure.  (Splendors of the World - Hawaii), Jerry Boch  (Splendors of the World - Hawaii), Jerry Boch  (Splendors of the World - Hawaii) Some great Fijian and Tongan war clubs.  A cocktail party one evening for "Young Tribal Art Collectors Group" hosted by Dave Deroche and Cole Harrell.  "Young Tribal Art Collectors Group", Cole Harrell with another organizer.  "Young Tribal Art Collectors Group" , Cole Harrell with Carolyn Yacco (sp) Left  "Young Tribal Art Collectors Group" Continued...  "Young Tribal Art Collectors Group" Continued... I was enthusiastic and delighted to learn of the event, espcially since there are so FEW new collectors for Tribal Artifacts.  Morgan Oakes Tribal- San Francisco  Morgan Oakes Tribal- San Francisco  Art For Eternity - Howard Nowes & Fernandez Leventhal Gallery, New York. Shared Booth  Art For Eternity - Howard Nowes & Fernandez Leventhal Gallery.  Art For Eternity - Howard Nowes & Fernandez Leventhal Gallery  Art For Eternity - Howard Nowes & Fernandez Leventhal Gallery  Art For Eternity - Howard Nowes & Fernandez Leventhal Gallery  Mark Eglinton Tribal Art  (Mark Eglinton Tribal Art) A Bena Lulua figure and a small Songye Fetish.  (Mark Eglinton Tribal Art) A lovely Luba/ Hemba figure  (Mark Eglinton Tribal Art- NY) Quite an impressive Luba Bowl Bearer Figure (far left)  (Mark Eglinton Tribal Art- New York)  (Mark Eglinton Tribal Art- New York)  (Mark Eglinton Tribal Art- New York)   Tribal Gathering London- Brian Reeves  Brian Reeves  Brian Reeves  Left to Right: Brian Reeves, Louis Nierijnck, and Taylor Dale.  (DS Fine Art) A Large Trobriand Island Massim Pig totem sculpture .  (DS Fine Art)  Tribalmania Gallery, Half Moon Bay- Michael Auliso  Michael Auliso  (Tribalmania Gallery) A New Guinea Lower Sepik River stone-carved ancestor figure.  (Tribalmania Gallery) A 19th C. Philippine Kalinga War Shield, (Right) PNG Papuan Gulf Elema Tapa Body Mask  Tribalmania Gallery  Tribalmania Gallery  Tribalmania Gallery  (Tribalmania Gallery) A Korwar masked dancer figure (center), Old Timor root mask next to it.  Wenhua Liu / China Travel & Art  Peter Boyd's Booth of African Art near the foyer entrance.  PM Boyd Primitive Art  Social Gathering. Facing camera left to right: Fred Bachlar Bonhams, Mark Blackburn collector/ dealer, Dave Deroche (standing)  As mentioned in a separate blog post, this was the San Francisco Tribal Art Shows BEST ever exhibits held in the foyer entrance. Selections from Mark and Carolyn Blackburn's collection "Fiji- Art and Life in the Pacific". A preview of pieces to be on display at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in the fall.  Fijian Tapa Cloth- "Fiji Art and Life in the Pacific"  Galen Lowe Art & Antiques- Seattle. A fine Japanese wooden pot hook far left.  Galen Lowe Art & Antiques- Seattle  Rainforest Baskets- Portland. I'm including photos of their booth to show how much the show has changed.  Rainforest Baskets- Portland. Selection of fiber bird masks.  Rainforest Baskets- Portland. The show promoters now also allow contemporary art pieces.   Rainforest Baskets- Portland  Amyas Naegele Fine Art- New York  Amyas Naegele Fine Art- New York  Amyas Naegele Fine Art- New York  Amyas Naegele Fine Art- New York  Amyas Naegele Fine Art- New York  Erik Farrow. Selection of Oceanic and African Weapons.  Joshua Dimondstein  Diamondstein Tribal Arts  Chris Boylan Oceanic Art- Sydney  Chris Boylan Oceanic Art- Sydney. Poor photo taken through showcase glass of a curious New Guinea female figure with bird on head.  Casey Waller- Caravanseri Ltd. Fine Asian and Middle Eastern Textiles.  Vicki Shiba Asian & Tribal Art- Mill Valley  Vicki Shiba, together with Steven Alpert between a Madagascar Sakalava Ancestor couple. I don't recognize the collector in the background however.  Steven Alpert and Al Farrow (right) THE ENDIn Honor of a Warm Friend, Mentor and Cornerstone of the Art Business   Jim & Lin Willis Bruneaf Tribal Art Fair, Brussels Belgium 2010  Jim & Lin Willis San Francisco Tribal Art Show, 2009  Jim Willis with Jacques Germain at his Paris Parcours Gallery 2008  Jim & Lin Willis with Joshua Dimondstein at his Paris Parcours Gallery 2018  Jim & Lin Willis San Francisco Tribal Art Show 2008  Jim & Lin Willis San Francisco Tribal Art Show 2010  Jim Willis in his Booth at the SF Tribal San Francisco Presidio 2008  Jim Willis in his Booth at the SF Tribal San Francisco Presidio 2008  Jim & Lin Willis with friends at SF Tribal San Francisco Presidio Show 2008 (Left to right: Cathy Cootner, Andres Moraga, Thomas Murray, Joe Loux)  Jim & Lin Willis and Michael Auliso in their San Francisco Home After Finishing an Interview 2006 Lin Willis:
Dearest Friends, I want to thank you very much for reaching out to me with your kind words, condolences and memories of Jim. I am deeply touched. For friends learning this sad news now, we shall all hold special memories. I can only add that I am incredibly fortunate to have Jim in my life. He was unique, a bon vivant full of life, curiosity, and engaging the world. We had deepest love for each other. We enjoyed being together 24/7, working as partners, traveling, he taught me so much, including the realm of tribal art. He loved to visit every museum, and we’d seek new, far away destinations every year to explore. Jim declared in reflection he had lived a fabulous, enriched, full life with no regrets. He went to work with daily anticipation and excitement, and said not many people could feel that way about a job. He relished all travel, cultures, and art. Born in Los Angeles, he studied International Relations at Pomona. Jim had interesting, diverse occupations before his gallery opened in 1972. After college, traveling Europe selling Encyclopedia sets to American military; in Rome with his young family living among famous expat writers and artists; arriving in San Francisco with little funds and driving Yellow Cab; as a ceramicist in a studio next to Peter Voulkos; a bookbinder working on Howl, by Allen Ginsberg for Arion Press; school teacher, and leading collector art tours to Africa in late seventies; were a few of his careers. He read avidly, being well versed on all subjects. He dealt in contemporary and tribal art and then focused exclusively on tribal. He kept his first African piece bought in 1954. He had the first tribal gallery worldwide to hold thematic exhibitions. We exhibited in art fairs, and he appraised many fine collections. Jim was proud to serve on the Cultural Property Advisory Committee for the White House for 15 years, among other accomplishments. We were together over twenty-eight years, and I’d tease I was only his 4th wife. He loved his daughter, three sons, and granddaughter. He had a fascinating family history in depth on both sides. He was a fantastic raconteur of tales and had reflections on all subjects. Jim was a true Renaissance man. He was approachable, and would hit it off with any stranger and they would part having enjoyed their encounter. In 1981, he was the first survivor of a deadly spinal tumor and rare lymphoma, yet purchased his home despite that crisis. During health challenges, we grew even closer with love for each other. He was a survivor when given four months with metastasized kidney cancer. He rejoiced in the De Young Museum Celebration of His Life, which three dear friends gave for him. Jim felt it was his memorial and how fortunate for him to be present. He lived and traveled 2-1/2 years more. We had bookings for Paris. We were always full of love and optimism in face of challenges. One can only celebrate a life well lived and follow Jim’s example. I thank all of you with much Love from Jim and me, Lin James W. Willis 27 September 1934 – 2 September 2019 For me the BEST part of the San Francisco Tribal and Textile Arts Show in February was this special exhibit in the entrance of Festival Pavilion! A preview of top Fijian works to be opening at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) in the fall of 2019 titled “FIJI- Art and Life in the Pacific” from the collection of Mark and Carolyn Blackburn. Look at the Scale of that MASSIVE Fijian Sali club! (Text & photos by: Michael Auliso)  Another great Parcours has passed us. We invite you experience a part of it from an insider's POV. This event is always a high point on the calendar for all of the major global players in the tribal art world. Our review is tardy this year and a lot has changed in Paris since this September event. We are seeing the biggest civil insurrection in Paris since 1968. The violet rebellion was caused by Emmanuel Macron imposing a "carbon tax" on fuel to help counter climate change as part of the Paris Climate Accords. As I write this the citizens continue to demonstrate. Although the European economy is not robust, and likely headed into recession, astute collectors continue to buy. That said, it doesn't feel like we are in an overall thriving market with an abundance of enthusiasm. There were 65 exhibitors this year. New exhibitors included: Joe Loux (San Francisco), Runjeet Singh (Warwickshire UK) and Renaud Monteme'at Art D'Asia to name a few. The list of dealers not participating over last year were numerous and included: Philippe Lareemans, Michael Evans, Joaquin Pecci, Galerie Dartevelle, RB Gallery (Roger Bourahimou), Donald Ellis, Salon, and Didier Claes. I understand that pre-sales were generally good as dealer's best clients showed early to buy. An interesting dynamic with this fair is always "buyer psychology" which favors the dealer beforehand and then quickly flips, favoring the customer after the fair begins. In other words the buyers feels more compelled to make an early purchase, fearing a favorite piece may not be available once the crowds enter. However, after the fair starts, the buyer is more reluctant to commit since he can now shop, compare and scan all the competition.  The fair is so well polished and thought out now that I truly don't think it can be improved upon. I'm talking especially about the espace tribal venue space of Tribal Art Magazine which included an impressive exhibition and rich program schedule of lectures!  espace tribal Exhibiton: "Pigalle 1930, retour sur une exposition mythique". They largely duplicated the exhibition of African and Oceanic Art originally held at the Galerie du Theatre Piqalle in Paris in 1930 (regarded as a landmark event of the first half of the 20th century in Paris). The event was originally organized by Charles Ratton, Pierre Loeb, Tristan Tzara, Pablo Picasso, and Andre' Derain! A retrospective book was published for the espace gallery exhibit "Galerie Pigalle African Oceanie". Charles-Wesley Hourde helped organize and curate the 30 piece artwork exhibit together with Tribal Art Magazine and Nicolas Rolland.  Thomas Murray giving a lecture for his new book Textiles of Japan.  Thomas Murray giving a lecture for his new book Textiles of Japan.  espace tribal Exhibition: "Pigalle 1930, retour sur une exposition mythique": A New Caledonian mask.  espace tribal Exhibition: "Pigalle 1930, retour sur une exposition mythique". I loved that Papuan Gulf Elema archers shield.  espace tribal Exhibition: "Pigalle 1930, retour sur une exposition mythique".  espace tribal Exhibiiton: "Pigalle 1930, retour sur une exposition mythique".  espace tribal Exhibiiton: "Pigalle 1930, retour sur une exposition mythique".  espace tribal Exhibition: "Pigalle 1930, retour sur une exposition mythique". James Willis (San Francisco) standing next to a New Guinea Iatmul skull hook.  espace tribal Exhibition: "Pigalle 1930, retour sur une exposition mythique".  espace tribal Exhibition: "Pigalle 1930, retour sur une exposition mythique".  espace tribal Exhibiiton: "Pigalle 1930, retour sur une exposition mythique". New Ireland Malagan figure. LAUNCHING INTO THE GALLERIES  Interior David Serra Fine Tribal Art. Jean Fritz (Sotheby's) talking with David Serra. Interior David Serra Fine Tribal Art. A janus Lobi figue and a Dogon equestrian figure-- part of his exhibit "Mas de Uno". Interior Michael Hamson Oceanic Art. An ancient Karawari River figure (left) and a favorite piece of mine, an early Papuan Gulf Elema tapa mask.  (rue Jacques Callot) Bernard Dulon looking at the camera, Mia Van Bussel (right).  (rue Jacques Callot) The bold red Exterior of Galeria Guilhem Montagut Dogon exhibit.  Galeria Guilhem Montagut  Galeria Guilhem Montagut  Bruce Frank Primitive Art (Bruce Frank Primitive Art) New Guinea figures.  (Bruce Frank Primitive Art) Opening night and a fashionista in a 1970's orange suit!  (Wayne Heathcote gallery) His brother in law Volker. Wayne was unable to attend, recovering from leg surgery.  (Wayne Heathcote gallery) A Vanuatu effigy.  (Wayne Heathcote gallery) Maori house figure.  Nast A' Paris (Francis et Isaac Reveillaud)  (Exterior window display- Evening) Entwistle For me a part of Parcours experience, is studying and looking in the gallery windows at NIGHT. I think it is cool when they leave their lights on so you can see some of the Gods and Ancestors resting. A quiet reflective time to absorb more and summarize the day.  (Entwistle) New Ireland Uli figure  (Entwistle) Fijian ula clubs of amazing quality.  street art  Yann Ferrandin (Yann Ferrandin) Admiralty Island Canoe prow and a New Ireland Malagan figure (right)  (Yann Ferrandin) Philippine Bulul figure. I love these so I always photograph them.  (Galerie Patrick Frohlich) (Galerie Patrick Frohlich) Fragment figure from a 19th c New Ireland Uli figure, Stone-carved New Guinea Sepik Bat sculpture.  (Voyageurs & Curieux- Jean-Edouard Carlier) Window display of Santa Cruz Island objects featured in his new book "Les Enclaves Plolynesiennes". That "Z" shape painted boomerang-like implement is a dance object (quite rare). (Voyageurs & Curieux- Jean-Edouard Carlier) A PNG Ramu river figure next to a squatting ancestor figure from Bartle Bay/ Milne Bay New Guinea. New Guinea Sepik Drum (right)   (Julian Flak) Next to and elegant and early Northwest Coast Tlingit Oyster Catcher Rattle.  (Galerie Flak) Northwest Coast Tlingit Rattle (Ex. Jacques Kerchache).
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Author:Michael Auliso |
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