Last April, I was privileged to be invited by a dear associate, Mr. Franck Diafouka, Head of Internal Audit at European Medicines Agency, to take part in a roundtable diner, held at the prestigious Societeit De Witte in Den Haag, alongside several industry experts, esteemed collectors and patrons of the arts.
Amongst the 5 speakers, including myself, invited to take part in a panel discussion on the subject of ‘Collecting Art From Africa’, I was delighted to greet old friends like the preeminent collectors, Carla & Pieter Schulting, and make new acquaintances including Henrik Riis, Director of Eyestorm Gallery in London, Toyin Loye, founder of Chiefs & Spirits in Den Haag, Frederic Farhad Farschi of the United Nations, Lluis Gimeno-Fabra from the European Pattern Office, as well as several other esteemed guests.
It’s always a treat listening to great orators the likes of Carla & Pieter, sharing insightful details as to what led them to helm such an astonishing collection of contemporary African art, which includes several works by gallery artist, Wabi Dossou.
It was great fun recollecting one of the crowning achievements on their stewardship, the unprecedented AFRICA SUPERNOVA retrospective of their collection at the KUNST KADE in Amersfoort, which marked the first time that works by Beninese sculptor Wabi Dossou was highlighted in a Dutch Museum. It's wonderful to hear that the collection will soon travel to Lisbon.
A warm of appreciation to Marinette Diafouka, founder of Maison Guilhem for helping host such a wonderful evening, to Neelotpal Kundu for coordinating the most delightful menu and of course, to Franck Diafouka and his wondrous cohort of associates for initiating such an inspirational gathering of kindred spirits, and for keeping us elated with such meaningful discussions.
Now back to the future. If you have yet to brave the (open) doors of the gallery, and experience our ongoing exhibition in the flesh...come along, you might meet yourself along the way.
THE LIVING ARCHIVES - MEMORIES BEYOND THE ATLANTIC | NICOLA LO CALZO | Solo
Exhibition
3 April - 30 May 2026
Wednesday - Saturday
From 1PM- 7PM
Gallery ILÉ X DUDOKDEGROOT
Tweede Laurierdwarsstraat 1-3
1016 RA Amsterdam
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