Tribal Art and Textiles Fair February 2009 – San Francisco

Category: San Francisco Tribal Art And Textile Show February 2009

As first time attendees to one of the more highly regarded shows for Tribal art; we looked forward to the San Francisco tribal art & textiles fair with great anticipation.

The setting couldn’t have been more perfect; an historical warehouse building on the old wharf at Fort Mason; within the picturesque city of San Francisco.

As both voyeurs and buyers we were certainly not disappointed. Great quality to exceptional pieces were in abundance throughout and although perhaps the “best of the best” may have been put away in wait of a better economic climate, a professional exhibition was put on by all.

As far as sales went; a fleshed out report can be found on Mike Alusio’s Tribalmania website that makes a fine effort to review the show annually and which after reading; first inspired us to take the trip to the antipodes.

Following is a photographic tour of the show, the Jolika collection at the DeYoung Museum and of Michael Hamson’s exhibition. (unfortunately however, there was not enough time to shoot images of every character/dealer and their booth.)

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SINGERS PRE – PARTY

Category: San Francisco Tribal Art And Textile Show February 2009

During our trip to San Francisco, we had the good fortune of attending one of the infamous ‘pre Art Fair’ tribal parties hosted by the generous & entertaining Singers. Although we were privy to view their superb collection, we were having such a good time that we did not take one single photograph. Thank you for a terrific night, Sharon and Sam.

Michael Hamson’s Exhibition

Category: San Francisco Tribal Art And Textile Show February 2009

Michael Hamson’s exhibition – Art of the Massim and Collingwood Bay was one definitely NOT to miss!
The art was beautifully showcased in all corners of Michaels San Francisco loft; specializing in a variety of fine quality spatulas with a broad range of other pieces from the Milne Bay region. A copy of the glossy catalogue from the exhibition is available from Michael’s website and makes for a solid reference to Massim material. Well done Michael & Richard.

John and Marcia Friede – Jolika Collection at the De Young Museum.

Category: San Francisco Tribal Art And Textile Show February 2009

The JOLIKA collection on ‘permanent’exhibition at the De Young Museum, donated by John and Marcia Friede, was one of the highlights of our trip.

This sublime collection is best if visited on several different occasions, allowing plenty of time to soak it in, otherwise it can be a little overwhelming.

Impressively; all pieces; from the largest imposing figure to the smallest amulet encompassed an overwhelming sense of presence. John recently mentioned to me the following about his pieces which put them into context, and well described the JOLIKA exhibition;

“These New Guinea pieces are so much more powerful than any other art I know. They make people accustomed to the more gentle and familiar styles very uncomfortable. Perhaps that is because their roots emerge from 50,000 years of isolation and separate development from the rest of mankind….a dynamic human culture that was also, in a way, extraterrestrial.”