Tribal Art
Picasso, Kandinsky….and a lot of other European artists of the modernity were fascinated and almost fond of the form and sculpture of primitive art. Tribal art from Africa and Oceania were the propulsive inspiration source for a lot of artists from the classical modernity.
With the label "art" put on objects and forms found in Africa, they are categorized in an European way which does not correspond with their meaning in the African societies. In Africa there is no disjunction between art and handcraft, the idea of art as “purpose-free” is not existing. Most African languages have no linguistic differentiation between artists and craftsmen.
Art for the sake of art, art as self purpose was not created or existing in Africa for a long time. It always had a ritual, social or common function to accomplish.
Only through the formal aesthetical view from European artists the African and Oceanian objects became a new meaning – they became art.
Our collection
Gallery le sud shows a great collection of recent and old tribal art from Africa and the Pacific oceans. We estimate the artistic value and its expression of art. We focus more on the quality of art than on the age of the objects. Our collection descends from authentic tribal regions and some pieces can be of recent age (younger than 50 years).
Traditional tribal art is still being produced in these regions and helps tribal people to make a living. On our trips we collect and present statues and rare objects from forgotten cultures and countries.