In Brazzaville, an exhibition-sale to wake up the art market
Audio 02:19
A view of Brazzaville.
(Illustrative image) Getty Images - mtcurado
By: Loïcia Martial
6 mins
An association whose mission is to promote Congolese art devoted the month of August to the organization of the very first edition of an exhibition-sale of paintings, objects of ancient art and ceramics in the capital.
The money must be used to finance the artists but also an orphanage in Brazzaville.
The gallery owners and sellers hope to see the emergence of a real art market in the Congo.
Publicity
“
We have the first phase, which is the sale of all the items. Then we will do the auction which will allow us to give part of the money to painters and another to orphans
”. Explanations from Irène Malonga, president of the Association of Charitable Donors which organizes this event. The proceeds from the sale will be donated in part to the artists of the Poto-Poto painting school, to help them cope with the coronavirus crisis. Another part of the proceeds will go to the orphans of the Bethany orphanage.
The prices of the paintings on display vary between 300,000 and 900,000 FCFA. "
The prices I am seeing here are very affordable,"
says Nicolas Bissi, curator of the exhibition.
This exhibition has its raison d'être because it is a way of allowing the Congolese to appropriate their art. Now is the time or never, let's take advantage of it.
"
Although organized within the grounds of the Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza Memorial, in the city center, the exhibition does not attract many people. Patrice Marie-Josée Okombi, whom we met in front of a stand, thinks that the Congolese are ignorant of their art: “
We should also interest the population because many people do not know Congolese art. If they don't have the information, it is difficult for them to visit the stands and buy.
"
Eliane Mouanga from the Congolese Arts and Crafts Manufactory came to offer ceramics. “
I offer objects made from clay,
” she explains.
We have a lot of things: beer mugs, trophies, jewelry and flower vases. Everything you see is made from clay.
"
Despite this variety of objects, Eliane Mouanga is far from making a good recipe.
“
I don't understand,
” she laments.
The Congolese don't like our local items;
they still like to buy from the Chinese.
They don't buy.
Even to visit, it is difficult.
There are a lot of people passing by.
We are next to the town hall where weddings take place every day.
They should buy these mugs to give as gifts.
But no one is coming.
We don't sell.
It's like we've come to sit down for nothing.
"
This exhibition-sale will be organized again next year during the summer.
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