Celebrating African Art: The Fonds de Dotation Opera Art Collection at Art Capital 2025

Date: 19 to 22 February 2025, at the Grand Palais, Paris
Venue: Grand Palais, 3 avenue du Général Eisenhower, 75008 Paris

WATERCOLOUR DRAWING AND PAINTING EXHIBITION
> SALON DES INDÉPENDANTS
> COMPARISONS EXHIBITION
> SALON DES ARTISTES FRANÇAIS

 

The specification of the Fonds de Dotation Opera by Maître Sorelle

To artists of African art from all backgrounds seeking robust legal protection and increased visibility,
To passionate collectors of African art concerned with the value and transmission of their heritage,
To patrons or businesses eager to support African art and related philanthropic projects,
To art galleries specializing in African art, seeking expert guidance for their transactions,
To heirs of African art collections in need of assistance to manage complex heritage,

The Fonds de Dotation Opera by Maître Sorelle is dedicated to providing the necessary support and expertise to help you protect, promote, and celebrate African art.

 

 

The exhibition curator, Béatrice Dossou-Yovo  – The exhibition, titled « Femininity Root and Renaissance

 

The curator of the exhibition- Thema around Femininity Root and Renaissance

The curator of the exhibition emphasizes that the theme is rooted in an artistic and societal approach, highlighting issues related to women’s rights, maternal safety, and girls’ access to education.

These are essential steps for reducing poverty and promoting economic and social development.

The curator proposed that the project bring together engaged works exploring the many dimensions of women’s roles as pillars of transformation and evolution in the world.

The presentation text of the exhibition insists that, by highlighting maternal figures, figures of power, and education figures, the artists reveal the multiple roles of women in both public and private spheres.

The exhibition highlights the daily difficulties women face, including educational barriers, economic challenges, and social restrictions, and shows how these obstacles have often been transformed into sources of strength and innovation.

 

Girls’ education, a central theme of this exhibition

Girls’ education, a central theme of this exhibition, is presented as one of the most powerful tools to break the cycle of poverty and build equitable societies.

The exhibition is not only dedicated to women; it is a call to recognize their essential role in constructing our collective future.

The exhibition « Femininity Root and Renaissance » opens a dialogue on women’s ability to transform the world, one gesture, one work, and one idea at a time.

 

The vernissage on February 18, 2025, was bustling with attendees. Among the artists present were:

 

• Laura Tolen, a Franco-Cameroonian artist whose work evokes memory, its construction and transmission, and its role in intergenerational relationships within the family.Laura Tolen, a gifted artist born in 1997 in Douala, Cameroon, spent her formative years in her hometown before moving to Paris to attend the prestigious Beaux-Arts de Paris, graduating in 2020. Her work delves into the themes of memory construction and transmission, utilizing mediums such as drawing and oil painting. Tolen masterfully reconstitutes family histories by juxtaposing individuals and locations that never coexisted, creating a captivating blend of reality and fiction.Tolen’s art has been showcased in numerous exhibitions, including the group exhibition ArtuElles Interférences at the Annie Kadji gallery in Douala. Her work encourages viewers to reflect on the objectivity and truthfulness of their own memories.

 

 

• Naistini Valaydon, of Indian origin from Mauritius, draws on her rich cultural experiences to question the place of women of color in globalized societies.Naïstini Valaydon is a gifted multimedia artist whose work spans photography, film, and installation. Originally from Mauritius and now based in London, she delves into the complexities of the human condition and psychology. Her art explores themes such as interpersonal relationships, love, sex, romance, and femininity.Valaydon’s art has been showcased in various exhibitions, including a notable one at the Galerie Mona Lisa in Paris, where her work was featured alongside other artists. Her pieces often reflect her profound interest in the human body, behavior, and mind, establishing her as a distinctive voice in the contemporary art scene.

 

 

 

• Othéo, real name ONDIGUI ONANA Théodore hailing from Nkolondom in Yaoundé, Cameroon, known for his passion for painting and his innovation with the Obom technique. He highlights the empowerment of women in his exhibition Femininity, Root and Renaissance.

  

• Othéo: Artistic Vision and Innovation

  Othéo, an acclaimed artist from Nkolondom in Yaoundé, Cameroon, is renowned for his profound passion for painting and his groundbreaking work with the Obom technique.

  The Obom technique, unique to Othéo, involves the use of traditional materials and innovative methods to create dynamic and textured paintings.
  This distinctive approach has garnered significant attention and praise within the art community.

   

   

  

   

  
  Exhibition: Femininity, Root and Renaissance

  In his exhibition Femininity, Root and Renaissance, Othé explores the theme of female empowerment through a series of captivating artworks. The exhibition is a celebration of the strength, resilience, and beauty of women, particularly within the context of African culture. Othé’s pieces reflect a deep appreciation for the feminine experience and its vital role in the continuity and renewal of cultural heritage.

• Virgile Nassara, a Beninese artist born in Allada and residing in Porto-Novo, draws inspiration from his Vodoun roots, incorporating signs, symbols, myths, and artifacts into everyday, secular concerns.Virgile Hubert Nassara is a distinguished contemporary artist and sculptor from Benin. With over 20 years of experience in the art world, he has showcased his work in numerous countries, including Benin, Senegal, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, France, Brazil, and the USA. Nassara’s art is celebrated for its unique fusion of traditional African influences and modern techniques.

  

  His works are part of several prestigious collections, such as the Musée Afrika in the Netherlands, the Pierre Verger Foundation in Brazil, and the Robert Vallois Gallery in France.

  Drawing inspiration from his Vodoun roots, Nassara incorporates symbols, myths, and artifacts into his creations, crafting pieces that resonate with cultural significance.

  Recently, Nassara participated in an exhibition at the Novotel Orisha in Cotonou, Benin, alongside fellow artist Charbel Coffi. The exhibition, titled « Facétie des revenants, » delves into the interplay between abstraction and figuration, inviting viewers to reconsider reality through a playful and unconventional lens.

  

ART CAPITAL 2025 – Work- Virgile NASSARA – Benin – Woman, flame of the world – 2023 – BEGUE-BUCHERT collection – The specification of the Fonds de Dotation Opera by Maître Sorelle – Art Capital 2025

• Francis Mbella, a guest artist, is the originator of the « Tapioca sur isorel » technique, which allows the fusion of color and relief, blending instinct with structure.
  Francis Mbella is a Franco-Cameroonian artist known for his vibrant and emotive paintings. Born in Douala, Cameroon, on December 18, 1961, he was influenced by his father, a sculptor, and his mother, a couturier-stylist.

  

   

  Mbella moved to Paris to pursue his education and later studied at the École des Beaux-Arts.His work is characterized by a unique blend of colors and themes, often reflecting his philosophy that art should be a matter of creation and innovation rather than mere assimilation. Mbella‘s retrospective exhibition, « Reflets de la couleur, » showcases his journey and artistic evolution from 1975 to 2015.

 

 

Francis Mbella was born in Douala on December 18, 1961, to a father who was a sculptor and a mother who was a stylist and seamstress.

After completing his studies at King-Akwa College in Douala, he moved to Paris to continue his secondary education at the Lycée de la Folie-Saint-James in Neuilly-sur-Seine.

His artistic talent was noticed by his drawing teacher, who suggested he attend the École des Beaux-Arts. This teacher’s influence had a significant impact on Francis Mbella‘s personality.

A year later, Mbella enrolled in the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris to study painting.

However, this formal education did not dominate his development. His strong sense of self, which he embodied from an early age, allowed him to transform the lessons learned into his own personal and original principles.

 

 

The choice of a theme provides unity to a body of work and an exhibition. Artists are witnesses to the passage of time, and their works transcend all civilizations.

 

 

ART CAPITAL

 

ART CAPITAL 2025

Art Capital 2025 is a grand artistic event held at the Grand Palais in Paris from February 19 to 22, 2025.

This Exposition is a must-visit for contemporary art lovers, bringing together four iconic salons: the Salon des Indépendants, the Salon Comparaisons, the Salon des Artistes Français, and the Salon Dessin & Peinture à l’Eau.

With over 3,000 artists from various disciplines for the 2025 Edition, Art Capital offers a unique journey through contemporary art, showcasing the works of both emerging and established artists.

The event is organized by the artists themselves, who volunteer their time to create a dynamic and inclusive space for art enthusiasts.

Art Capital has established itself as a major event on the French art scene, attracting around 40,000 visitors each year.
It provides an exceptional showcase of today’s artistic production, offering visitors a chance to meet the artists and explore their creations.

 

Opera Art Collection

 

The Opera Art Collection is a remarkable initiative founded by Maître Sorelle BEGUE-BUCHERT, a notary in Paris with a profound passion for the arts. From a young age, Maître Sorelle was immersed in the world of art, developing a deep respect for cultural heritage and a curiosity for emerging artistic voices. Her commitment to the artistic community, especially emerging artists, led her to establish the Opera Art Collection in 2024. This endowment fund has become a catalyst for promoting African art and celebrating cultural diversity on a global scale.

The mission of the Opera Art Collection is to support artists and collectors of African art by providing them with a global platform.

The organization believes that art transcends borders and that the diversity of artistic creations enriches our understanding of the world.

Their goal is to preserve artistic heritage, promote emerging talents, and inspire future generations.
They aim to go beyond stereotypes and present African art as a universal form of art, not just a separate category.

 

Maître Sorelle BEGUE-BUCHERT

 

Maître Sorelle BEGUE-BUCHERT is the visionary founder of the Opera Art Collection.
Known for her expertise in international law and her dedication to the artistic community, Maître Sorelle has made significant contributions to the promotion of African art.

Her notarial practice is distinguished by a human and personalized approach, and she has dedicated a part of her career to supporting artists and preserving cultural heritage.

Maître Sorelle‘s passion for African art and her understanding of its unique cultural nuances guide the vision of the Opera Art Collection.

Her commitment to inclusion and cultural diversity has shaped the organization’s DNA.
She ensures that collectors and artists have the necessary tools to protect their works and accompanies them in all aspects of their presentation.

 

The Fonds de Dotation Opera Art Collection

The Fonds de Dotation Opera Art Collection is a philanthropic endowment fund established to promote and celebrate cultural diversity, with a particular focus on African art. The fund was created by Maître Sorelle BEGUE-BUCHERT, a notary in Paris, in 2024.

 

Aim and Mission

The primary aim of the Opera Art Collection is to support and promote African artists and collectors by providing them with a global platform.

Encouraging global diversity in artistic creations and practices, while also educating artists on managing their heritage and understanding their rights

The fund seeks to:

• Preserve Cultural Heritage: Ensure the conservation and valorization of African cultural heritage.
• Promote Emerging Talents: Highlight and support emerging African artists, giving them the exposure they need to thrive on the international stage.
• Inspire Future Generations: Encourage a deeper understanding and appreciation of African art, transcending stereotypes and presenting it as a universal form of art.

Types of Artists Promoted

The Opera Art Collection focuses on promoting artists who create diverse and innovative works that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Africa.

This includes:

• Contemporary Artists: Those who bring fresh perspectives and new techniques to the art world.
• Traditional Artists: Artists who preserve and continue the traditional art forms and practices of their cultures.
• Emerging Artists: New and upcoming artists who show great potential and creativity.

By supporting these artists, the Opera Art Collection aims to foster a greater appreciation for African art and ensure its rightful place in the global art scene

 

Contact Fonds de Dotation Opera Art Collection:

 

 

THE AGENCY INDIRÂH EVENTS & COMMUNICATION

Indirâh Events & Communication learns to know you and your customers for a good control of your goals, your vision and of course your needs.

INDIRÂH EVENTS is dedicated to delivering high-quality services, ensuring that each event is tailored to the client’s specific needs and preferences.
The company has built a reputation for its creativity, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.

Indirâh Events & Communication ensures to propose personalized solutions respecting the essence of your activity to reinforce your promotion while controlling your budget.

 

PROACTIVE TEAM FOR YOUR COMPANY

Indirâh Events & Communication agency consists of a proactive team of journalists, directors, photographer, coordinator and the best creative web design and anti-hacking.

In addition, various law firms, specialists in International Business Law and Ohada Law, guarantee specific advice and audits.

BMD Bamba – Videographer, Film Director
Aimé OUATTARA – Photographer
Assistant realisator: Sindou DIOMANDE
Seo Manager: Dan NGU

 

AUDITS

In addition to its communication services, Indirâh Events & Communication offers various audits: SEO, Internet and notoriety in order to analyze and evaluate the possible improvements that can strengthen your communication strategy and your visibility. This analysis of the existing situation reveals potential gaps and rectifies them to reinforce or predict the different strategies to be carried out.

 

 

Zou, Katia, & Dan NGU: New Media Making

AI Fashion Mag, founded by Zou, is an innovative online magazine dedicated to exploring the intersection of fashion, artificial intelligence, and Web 3.0 technologies.

The magazine delves into how AI and decentralized web technologies are reshaping the fashion industry, offering in-depth articles, interviews with industry experts, and coverage of technological advancements and emerging trends.

AI Fashion Mag serves as an essential source of information for fashion professionals, technology enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the evolving landscape of the fashion world. The magazine covers a wide range of topics, including AI-generated designs, virtual fashion shows, sustainable practices, and personalized customer experiences.

Through its comprehensive coverage and expert insights, AI Fashion Mag aims to provide a deep understanding of how AI is transforming creativity, sustainability, production, and consumption in the fashion industry.
The magazine also emphasizes the importance of ethical standards and environmental consciousness in the fashion sector.

 

 

AI FRIENDLY

Friendly Artificial Intelligence represents a critical paradigm in ensuring that advancements in AGI benefit humanity as a whole. By integrating ethical considerations, robust safety mechanisms, and human oversight, FAI seeks to transform technological progress into a force for global go.

 

DN-A INTERNATIONAL

 

DN-A INTERNATIONAL, also known as DN AFRICA, is a dynamic online platform dedicated to French fashion news. Founded by Daniel Nguyen, the platform caters to professionals in the fashion industry, spotlighting designers, artists, events, and fashion shows.

DN AFRICA provides a unique digital experience, offering editorial content, photography, and video resources to elevate and amplify the creations and communication strategies of fashion professionals.

The platform has evolved into a powerful web presence, strategically positioned to showcase designers and fashion events across the digital landscape.

DN AFRICA is known for its commitment to promoting African fashion trends and identifying new faces and talents.

Regarding their SEO (Search Engine Optimization) strategy, DN AFRICA focuses on Search Intent Optimization (SIO), which aims to understand and satisfy the user’s intent behind a search query.

SIO helps create content that matches not only the keywords but also the context, purpose, and goal of the user.
This approach enhances the visibility and relevance of the website in organic search results.

DN AFRICA leverages AI and machine learning to analyze website performance and create effective SEO strategies. By understanding the user’s search intent,

DN AFRICA can optimize its content to provide a better user experience and improve its ranking on search engine results pages

 

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