Musée du Quai Branly in Paris
Since April 14, 2015, Côte d’Ivoire is on the display walls at the Quai Branly Museum through its "Masters of Sculpture". Of great artistic and cultural interest, the exhibition attracts thousands of visitors.
Mrs. Dominique Ouattara, First Lady of Côte d’Ivoire, "Friend of artists and Arts’ godmother", came to join her look to that of Côte d'Ivoire’s and France’s art lovers, who have come to admire the cultural legacy of the country.
Late in the evening on July 1st, 2015, along with the Minister of Culture and Francophonie, Bandaman Mauritius, the President of the Quai Branly Museum and a string of personalities, Mrs. Ouattara has reviewed the 300 pieces exhibited.
Some Masterpiecesof the Senufo, Lobi, Guro, Dan and of the lagoon peoples that authentically describe the diversity of Ivorian culture.
"The historical works of our great Ivorians masters are in this world-famous museum, the perfect place to be sublimated at fair value. The cultural and social identities of the Ivorian art can thus be contemplated in all their richness and diversity, "noted Mrs. Dominique Ouattara. Before rejoicing for the double meaning of this exhibition:
"On the one hand, it restores the expertise of our great masters as creators, with their individuality and their own sensitivity. And on the other hand, it pays tribute to our famous contemporary artists in the new generation of African designers who ensure the dynamism of our legacy. "
The Minister of Culture and the Francophonie for his part, paid tribute to Mrs. Dominique Ouattara for her constant support to Ivorian culture, while congratulating the organizers of this exhibition sparkling this culture outside the country's borders .
After about an hour's visit, the first lady, did not hide her joy and pride, to have discovered or rediscovered the Ivorian sculptors. She also expressed the wish to see this exhibition taking place in Côte d'Ivoire.
Let’s underline that the initiators of this exhibition are Lorenz Homberger (former curator of African and Oceanic art at the Rietberg Museum in Zurich) and Eberhard Fischer (anthropologist and former Museum director), with the outstanding contribution of the Civilizations Museum of Abidjan.
In Paris, the "Friends of the Quai Branly Museum" led by Lionel Zinsou, Benin current Prime Minister, have supported the project.
On July 26th, 2015, the Parisian adventure will close for the "Masters of the Masters of Côte d'Ivoire’s Sculpture".