Galerie l'Atelier - Charles Montano

For more than fifteen years, I have been passionate about African art, also known as tribal art, primitive art or ethnographic art. In search of new discoveries and deeper knowledge, I frequented galleries, museums, private collections and other cultural institutions across Europe. In Africa, I was able to discover objects in their own context alongside their creators and users, in places of worship. Alongside great merchants and their help I learnt the art of observation, the even more subtle art of negotiation and, most important, that of detecting counterfeits.

This double approach to African arts, viewed from both a European and an African perspective, allowed me to develop my knowledge and expertise. My development has been enhanced by my university education. I developed an eye for assessing a work’s authenticity, it’s pertinence, it’s graphic value and overall worth.

All of this knowledge has been put to use and tested over the course of the past few years. I have a lot of experience and expertise to share with my clients. I hope to do so not only through this website, but also through the works I have put up for sale and through whatever advice and information I might be able to offer.