Inspiration! This week’s newsletter is about the inspiration behind various pieces in our collection. Public Service Announcement – this is what inspired ME, not YOU – so don’t come for me if the connection is not clear to you. You are entering my mind – I should charge for that, but for now you can just come along for the journey. Ah yes, where was I…INSPIRATION! Did I tell you I am prone to walk around a new city until the point where I am about to pass out? No, seriously, on first visits the adrenaline and excitement take over. This was one of those days. So, as one does, I was in was in Florence minding my business on another art exploration when I ventured to the Pitti Palace. For those not in the know, Palazzo Pitti is the former palace of Cosimo de’ Medici. Though built a century before, it was the 1550 purchase that cemented its role as the palace of the Grand Duchy.

I’ve seen many palaces, but Palazzo Pitti stands apart. The reliefs are stupendous. Matched with the enormous scale of the rooms, it defines opulence in architecture. Clearly, it signaled to all who entered the power of the ruling families. On a previous trip I only had time to enter the courtyard and gardens. I was inspired with only the outside. Walking up the stairs and entering the first rooms I was transported back to a time where craftsmanship was unparalleled and celebrated.  I was more than inspired, I was enthralled. I’m not going to lie, I kind of lost it—standing there, looking up, my eyes trying to find a place to land amongst all the beauty. How did they make this? Who made this? How long did it take to perfect this craftsmanship? How has it been maintained throughout the years? How many eyes have viewed these masterworks? The questions spiraled on and on… And remember my bit of info before, about how I often walk around until exhaustion? Well, my body took over snapping photo after photo, capturing video so I could get content, looking up, looking up, looking up…Yes, I almost fainted. I had to bend down on the floor and act like I was stretching my back. Luckily, I’m certifiably crazy when it comes to art and I was not going to cut this visit short. So, I took some deep breaths, got my bearings and carried on. As you can see from these photos, my head was tilted straight up looking at the ceilings for at least an hour solid. Was it worth it? I’ll see you there tomorrow!  

One last stop though before we leave Florence, let’s venture over to the Medici Chapels for one more example to inspire. Again, I am not an art critic so I can’t immerse you in the finer details of the craft. But when it comes to Michelangelo’s, “Tomb of Lorenzo, Duke of Urbino,” sculpted circa 1531, all one needs to know is “wow!” Are we inspired yet?

Yes, I was inspired by the craftsmanship, but as a collector I was drawn to the wow factor of the reliefs and sculptures thinking how I might be able to incorporate that feeling into my collection. We have a few sculptural works in our collection. No, I don’t have a Michelangelo sculpture in my living room - stop teasing me! But we do have this lovely Art Deco reclining nude, the acquisition of which is inspired by the beautiful reliefs I’ve seen during my travels, primarily in Europe and Mexico. Unfortunately, we don’t know the artist of this sculpture we bought from a dealer in an antique shop in Nyack, New York. But she speaks for herself and has pride of place wherever she reclines. And the sculpture is paired with our painting we lovingly call, “Sarah,” purchased 20 years ago at the Chelsea Flea Market for a song. They recline together, soaking up life, enjoying the moment. Inspiration can come from many places and does not have to be a direct connection for your art. I’m not buying 17^th century reliefs (yet…lol). But I am inspired to translate that beauty of figuration and craftsmanship into my collection. Simply put, what moves you?

Have you considered?

A central part of our collection is art from the African Diaspora. The art market has a lot of trendy work gallivanting under the moniker, “African Contemporary Art.” Trendy meaning there were some big sales and other artists basically jumped on a particular aesthetic bandwagon to try and capitalize on the moment. None of this applies to Obou Gbais. His work is distinctive and instantly recognizable as a reflection of his personal artistic mission. No trends here. Just beautiful, emotional, colorful, rhythmic work. I discovered his work on Artsy.net just scrolling one day. I was first drawn to the compositions in his work. I inquired about a painting that had an immense crowd of people under an engulfing sun (or was it a moon?) juxtaposed with a colorful void. The gallerist explained that painting was no longer available nor any in that series so I patiently waited as new work appeared. I was increasingly drawn to the eyes and the expressions of the figures in his work – mask-like but alive, like the party was only for those invited behind the mask. When I saw the work above, “Boogie Woogie Bleu,” it filled my desire for a more modern contemporary work that had an echo of pop art with a touch of street art but ultimately a bold figurative composition. This is a work on paper and nicely fit into my budget. And note, I also figured into my collecting plans the cost to frame this work and you can see that process below. Yes, this is a stand out piece from Obou Gbais, and I of course can’t wait to acquire another work, hopefully a large work on canvas.

Obou Gbais (b. 1992)
Obou Gbais is a contemporary Ivorian artist whose bold, expressive works bridge traditional West African cultural symbols and contemporary narratives. Born in Guiglo, Côte d'Ivoire, he earned his Master’s in painting from the École Nationale des Beaux-Arts in Abidjan in 2019 and now works between Abidjan and Berlin¹.

At the heart of his practice is the Dan mask—a cultural emblem from western Côte d'Ivoire—which he reimagines with vibrant color palettes and energetic brushwork. Through these forms, Gbais explores themes of identity, community, and transformation, anchoring his figures in ancestral visual language while addressing modern societal issues².

His work has been exhibited internationally at venues such as the Dak'Art Biennale (Senegal), Scope Art Show (Miami), and institutions in Europe and Africa alike. As the global art world increasingly turns its gaze to contemporary African artists, Gbais is a name to know—and to watch³.

Why You Should Consider
Obou Gbais's paintings resonate with visual rhythm. His commitment to honoring tradition while pushing the boundaries of form makes his work both accessible and deeply resonant. For collectors interested in acquiring powerful figurative works from Africa’s emerging contemporary voices, Gbais offers strong narrative presence, increasing global exposure, and great long-term potential. Currently, his works on paper are affordably priced for the discerning collector—a strong entry point not only for his work but for collecting distinctive contemporary African artists.

Citations:

1. Louis Simone Guirandou Gallery – Obou Gbais Overview

2. Louis Simone Guirandou Gallery – Artist Statement

3. Vanta Art – Obou Gbais Artist Page

Do Consider

This week’s newsletter is about what inspires us—through memory, travel, and craftsmanship. Whether it's the grandeur of a European palace or the bold rhythm of contemporary African art, beauty is everywhere if you’re paying attention. Here are a few places to start your own journey of inspiration:

• Palazzo Pitti – Official Website (Uffizi Galleries)
  Once the residence of the Medici family, Palazzo Pitti in Florence is a masterclass in opulence and Renaissance grandeur. Explore its sculptural reliefs, frescoed ceilings, and legendary collections.

• The Louvre Museum – Official Website
  The Louvre in Paris remains one of the most iconic museums in the world. Visit virtually to explore everything from Greek sculpture to Baroque ceilings and modern installations.

• African Art Now: 50 Pioneers Defining African Art for the Twenty-First Century
  This beautifully curated book highlights 50 contemporary African artists who are reshaping global conversations around culture, creativity, and identity. A powerful resource for discovering fresh perspectives and vibrant new voices in the art world.

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