Robin Chiphowka KOWSPI, Hop-Marek-imaginary, 2007, Acrylic on paper, 1 000 €

Estelle and Hervé Frances are true adventurers of the art. They have established a fantastic collection over the years in Clichy and in Senlis where they have the most exquisite little house with a view of the cathedral. In 2018, they travelled with their family to Papua new Guinea and in the Haut Sepik region, they encountered by chance tree artists from the same family, the father Raymond Kowspi Marek, and his sons Agatoak Ronny Kowspi and Robin Chiphowka Koswpi. They are in France until the 4 th of April and their works are visible until March 24.

Raymond Kowspi MAREK,  Green (Boun-Aibika), 2005 Acrylique on paper, 2 800 € Galerie Frances in Senlis

Raymond came to Paris in 2008 and exhibited and worked at Musée du Quai Branly in the show “Rouge Kwoma“. He is the head of the clan Wanyi of  the Kwoma culture and lives in Ambunti. The canvases and paintings on bark that he produced then remained in France. His sons subsequently were invited to work at Cité Internationale des Arts and produced more works: this is the collection that the Frances are exhibiting and selling in their Senlis Gallery to benefit the artists. The works are reminiscent of Australian aboriginal art but very different in spirit and when I asked them if they had any reactions with Australian artists, they said no. The purpose is to show and tell the stories of their ancestors and with acrylic paintings which they discovered since 2002 thanks to philosopher Maxime Rovère, they offer a new modernity to their ancestors.

Agatoak Ronny KOWSPI in front of Hopma, 2003, acrylic on carton, 1600€

Until April 24, at Fondation Frances, 27 rue Saint Pierre, Senlis. (50 mns from Paris on A1). Wedsnesay to Saturday, 11 am To 7 pm. Open exceptionally  on Sunday 24 March from 10 am to 7 pm.

n Senlis