The African and Oceanian art exhibition showed in Paris at the Galerie du Théâtre Pigalle in 1930 remains a pivotal historical event for primitive art lovers. Nevertheless, few people actually know the context of this important exhibition. It has truly marked the consciences of the general public at the time, which wasn’t used to black representation in art, viewed for its aesthetic only. Thanks to world-renown artists contributing to the exhibition by lending art or curating, it became a real success. Tristan Tzara, Pablo Picasso, André Derain and more all united to promote black artists and make them part of the norm.

This retrospective, organized at the Espace Tribal situated at 22Visconti, comes about on the occasion of the launch of book retracing the story and development of the exhibition in partnership with Tribal Art Magazine. It runs through September 16th. Find more information here.

Statue moai kavakava, Ile de Pâques, H : 60cm. Origin: Pierre Loeb, Helena Rubinstein, Parke Bernet, New York, The Helena Rubinstein Collection, October 15 1966, lot 261. Simon Spierer, Patrick Frohlich. Collection privée, Paris

Masque Bete-Guro, Côte d’Ivoire, H : 46cm. Origin : Tristan Tzara, Christophe Tzara by descent. Loudmer, Paris, Arts Primitifs-Collection