Galerie Sommerlath Folk Art

This Art Deco ceramic mask, titled "Butterfly Geisha," depicts the serene face of a woman, framed by black, stylized hair and adorned with delicately sculpted butterflies. The mask b...

An expressive tribal mask with pronounced brows, stylized features, and traces of red and black pigment, reflecting its ceremonial origins. This hand-carved and painted wooden mask ...

A pair of modern sculptural wall masks in textured white composite. One features geometric carved patterns, while the other incorporates abstract leaf motifs, combining organic forms...

Ceremonial mask from the Sepik River region of Papua New Guinea, associated with the dance traditions of the Eastern Highlands. Crafted from wood, cowrie shells, clay, pigment, and p...

A tin house, its structure cold and raw. A gaping hole at its center, like an explosion. Inside, two pink figures, nude and stunned. Their round eyes, mouths agape—surprise, unease, ...

“The important thing is not to find, but to seek ». These words by André Gide are deeply echoed in this midcentury oil painting, which offers no answers, but invites us on a quest: t...

Filmmaking is a reflection of the culture it arises from, and Bollywood cinema has been forever intertwined with the Indian identity. The posters from the 1970s, especially the 1975 Alakh Niranjan, resonate with a formative period in the evolution of Bollywood, where the socio-political landscape was continuously shaping the narratives portrayed on screen. The film industry began to explore more complex character representations, especially those of women by integrating them as central figures. During this period, Bollywood began to solidify its role as a cultural touchstone that mirrored the aspirations and anxieties of Indian society. The presence of the panther that the actress holds on a leash is not only a stylistic choice; it reflects themes of power, dominance, and the connection between nature and human emotion, frequently explored in the films of that era. In Hinduism (Sanatana Dharma today), Alakh Niranjan is a term commonly used to refer to the Creator. It is also referenced to describe the qualities of both God and the Self, known as the Atman. The word Alakh translates to “that which cannot be perceived or seen,” while Niranjan means “free from blemishes or impurities.” Similar to Ghanaian horror posters that reflect the unique cultural fears and narratives of their society, Bollywood posters...

If we cannot say much about the painter, we can say many things about this piece of Great Britain's colonial history! Gregory's enigmatic mixed media artwork, "Yo, Ho, Ho," emerges a...

Sculpture is at its most essential as a physical, tactile medium, and needs to be touched to be fully experienced. Creating a handmade resin sculpture is an intricate process that requires the mastery of various skills and techniques. This dancing sculpture, in gun metal patina finish resin, stands on its wooden base, featuring intricate details, height, singular twists, interstices, and curves, culminating in an energetic union that transforms the static and individual into a dynamic couple. As you let your hands wander, with closed eyes, you can sense fluidity in their movements, brought to life by soft, rounded lines. Every gesture and sweep emits a unique emotion, as if the two dancers were sharing a whispered conversation, inviting the viewer to witness their intimate exchange. By taking this sculpture home...