“Révélée – Unveiled” by Bruno Claessens
Rue des Beaux-Arts 4, Paris
Tue, 10 Sep: 11am-9pm
Wed-Sat, 11-14 Sep: 11am-7pm
Sun, 15 Sep: 11am-6pm
Duende Art Projects proudly presents Unveiled: New Perspectives on Keaka Statuary, an unprecedented exhibition dedicated to the enigmatic art of the Keaka people, living in the Cameroon-Nigeria border region. Opening on September 10th, during the renowned Parisian art fair, Parcours des Mondes, this exhibition offers a groundbreaking presentation of Keaka statuary, showcasing 17 statues or over 10% of the known corpus, the highest number ever shown together.
Révélée - Unveiled is the first ever exhibition dedicated to the art of the Keaka, a culture whose artistic heritage has been shrouded in mystery and confusion for decades. The exhibition aims to dispel longstanding misunderstandings about these sculptures, which have often been misattributed to neighboring groups such as the Kaka. Through meticulous research, the exhibition redefines the Keaka’s unique contributions to African art, highlighting the exceptional nature of their statuary. Visitors of the exhibition will have the rare opportunity to view a significant group of Keaka sculptures, including well-known artworks from notable private collections as well as new discoveries never seen in public before.
The exhibition is accompanied by a comprehensive 288-page catalog that delves into the history, provenance, and stylistic attributes of Keaka sculptures, adding important new research to scholarship on the culture. It also includes notes on the ritual use of these figures, shedding light on their cultural significance within the Keaka community. Unveiled is more than an exhibition; it is a scholarly reexamination and celebration of a long-overlooked artistic tradition. We invite collectors, scholars, and art enthusiasts to join us in discovering the power and beauty of Keaka art in Paris!