Orland ETOUMBAKOUNDOU, Eudes Gallery : Itinerary of a contemporary art entrepreneur
Orland ETOUMBAKOUNDOU is a passionate art entrepreneur and the driving force behind Eudes Gallery, which aims to promote a new generation of artists both locally and internationally. Operating with a hybrid model spanning from Brazzaville to Abidjan, Eudes Gallery has also become a platform to introduce the local public to the art of collecting as an investment. In this in-depth conversation with MAYÌ ARTS, founder and entrepreneur Orland ETOUMBAKOUNDOU shares insights into the local art scenes and markets of Brazzaville, while revealing his vision for the future.
Orland ETOUMBAKOUNDOU, Eudes Gallery
The story begins with a vision, an ideal: to see the emerging African art scene shines across the continent and beyond starting in Republic of Congo. Today, Orland Etoumbakoundou has successfully transmuted that dream into reality through Eudes Gallery. In this interview, the Congolese art entrepreneur shares his journey of founding Eudes Gallery and discusses the realities of a local market still building its relationship with art.
Origins
Ngalula MAFWATA: Where does your story with Art begin?
Orland ETOUMBAKOUNDOU: My story with art dates back to my childhood. From a young age, I was passionate about visual arts, especially drawing. I was also fascinated by the mural paintings that adorned small businesses in Congo – the shops, the hair salons, the tailor workshops. These artworks, full of life and creativity, gave a unique identity to the places and told stories through vibrant images.
Back then, I always wanted to be an artist myself, but over time, I realised that my true calling was elsewhere: rather than creating, I wanted to highlight those who create. I then chose to become a gallerist to give visibility to African artists, reveal their talent, and offer them opportunities. African art is of infinite richness, and my commitment is to contribute to its recognition and prominence on the international stage.
Ngalula MAFWATA: What memories marked your early artistic experiences?
Orland ETOUMBAKOUNDOU: One of my most striking memories is a painting created by my cousin. He had painted the face of a young girl with tears flowing down her cheeks. This image deeply moved me and made me realise the power of art to express emotions and tell stories. This painting was my first real encounter with a piece of work that touched me deeply.
At home, we also had an iron sculpture in our living room in Brazzaville. It was part of my everyday life and, without realising it at the time, it helped shaping my artistic vision. These memories nourished my passion for art and guided me toward my commitment as a gallerist, to highlight artists and their talent.
Ngalula MAFWATA: What is your personal relationship with art?
Orland ETOUMBAKOUNDOU: Art is a fundamental part of my daily life. It represents both a means of expression, a cultural heritage, and a platform for transmission of knowledge. For me, art is a powerful tool that can influence mindsets, tell our story, and shape our future. Beyond its aesthetic aspect, art is also a vector of soft power. It allows nations and cultures to shine, assert themselves on the international stage, and defend a unique identity. African art, in particular, carries immense symbolic and historical wealth. Promoting this art is asserting our place in the global cultural dialogue, valuing our traditions while integrating them into modernity.
Through my commitment, I see art as a lever for social transformation, a means of awareness, and a tool for cultural diplomacy capable of influencing perceptions and enhancing the attractiveness of our continent.
Rahim Lascony
Ngalula MAFWATA: Art is not always an initiative that is supported nor understood. How did the idea of launching Eudes Gallery come to you, and what mission does the gallery convey today?
Orland ETOUMBAKOUNDOU: The idea of Eudes Gallery came from a realisation: there is a vast pool of talented African artists who lack visibility on the international stage. I wanted to create a platform that would allow them to showcase their work, meet collectors, and promote their art within a structured framework. Eudes Gallery highlights contemporary artists who offer an innovative perspective on Africa and its realities. We are particularly interested in works that question identity, memory, and social and environmental issues. The goal is to offer a renewed reading of Africa, far from stereotypes, by emphasising its diversity and cultural richness.
From Brazzaville to Abidjan and Paris
Ngalula MAFWATA: You have organised events in different cities, and each city has its own way of functioning when it comes to business. How do you interpret this?
Orland ETOUMBAKOUNDOU: Indeed, each market has its own specificities. In Brazzaville, it’s primarily about raising awareness and educating the public on the importance of contemporary art. In Abidjan, where there is already a strong artistic dynamic, we focus on creating connections between artists, collectors, and institutions. Paris, on the other hand, represents an international showcase where we position African artists on the global market.
Ngalula MAFWATA: As a nomadic gallery, what challenges have you experienced?
Orland ETOUMBAKOUNDOU: Being a nomadic gallery comes with significant logistical challenges: transporting artworks, adapting to local regulations, finding suitable exhibition spaces... We also have to constantly renew our network and adapt to the different expectations of the audience depending on the cities where we exhibit.
And opportunities?
Orland ETOUMBAKOUNDOU: This mobility is also a strength in disguise. It allows us to explore new markets, expand our audience, and create bridges between different artistic scenes. Each exhibition in a different city is an opportunity to introduce our artists to a new audience and enrich our network.
Ngalula MAFWATA: How and why did to get involved in acquiring artworks and pieces of art ?
Orland ETOUMBAKOUNDOU: Acquiring art is both a cultural and financial investment. It’s not just about buying a piece, but about supporting an artist and contributing to the preservation and promotion of African heritage. It’s important to acquire works with curiosity, by looking into the artist’s history and the significance of their work. One idea that often comes up when discussing the local market in African countries is the absence or lack of a solid local market and active patrons willing to participate in its growth.
Brazzaville has a tremendous artistic potential that just needs to be structured and valued. There is a new generation of talented artists emerging who deserve to be supported. Through Eudes Gallery, we want to contribute to building a true artistic ecosystem in the city and throughout the country.
Orland ETOUMBAKOUDOU, Eudes Gallery
Ngalula MAFWATA: What are some challenges you face in your work?
Orland ETOUMBAKOUNDOU: The main challenge remains the structuring of the local market. Many talented artists still do not have access to a solid network of collectors and institutions ready to support them. There is also a lack of public policies encouraging the creation and investment in art. It is crucial to raise awareness among economic and cultural stakeholders about the importance of art as a driver of development.
Ngalula MAFWATA: Passion or investment?
Orland ETOUMBAKOUNDOU: Both to be honest. Passion is the driving force behind my commitment, but a strategic approach is also necessary to ensure the sustainability of the gallery and to provide artists with a viable professional environment. As Africans, we must understand that investment should not be limited to real estate, purchasing land, cars, or other material goods. Art is a true asset, carrying both cultural and economic value. It represents a heritage that appreciates over time and contributes to the global prominence of our identity. Investing in art is about supporting creation, encouraging our artists, and participating in the development of a structured and dynamic market.
Of course, like any investment, there are risks. The value of a piece can fluctuate, and the African art market, though promising, is still in the process of being structured. But it is precisely by investing wisely and creating a strong ecosystem around our artists that we can mitigate these risks and make art a true driver of economic and cultural development for our continent.
Ngalula MAFWATA: How can we encourage the acquisition of artworks and art objects?
Orland ETOUMBAKOUNDOU: Acquiring art should be seen as an act of support for artists and a way to preserve our cultural heritage. We need to encourage the creation of private and institutional collections, organise fairs and meetings between artists and collectors, and raise public awareness about the value of African art.
“As Africans, we must understand that investment should not be limited to real estate, purchasing land, cars, or other material goods. Art is a true asset, carrying both cultural and economic value. It represents a heritage that appreciates over time and contributes to the global prominence of our identity. ”
Final Thoughts
Ngalula MAFWATA: How do you envision the future of Brazzaville? What are your future projects?
Orland ETOUMBAKOUNDOU: Brazzaville has a tremendous artistic potential that just needs to be structured and valued. There is a new generation of talented artists emerging who deserve to be supported. Through Eudes Gallery, we want to contribute to building a true artistic ecosystem in the city and throughout the country.
We are preparing several exhibitions, including in Paris and Abidjan, and we are working on an artist residency project to allow artists to develop their work under optimal conditions. We also want to strengthen our online presence to reach an even wider audience.
In Paris, we have several ongoing projects, including with the media MAYI ARTS, which plays a crucial role in promoting African art and its players. I greatly appreciate their work and commitment to highlighting the talents of our continent. We are also collaborating with Ngalula, whose involvement and passion for African art and artists are a true source of inspiration. These initiatives aim to create bridges between Africa and the rest of the world, offer more visibility to artists, and structure a sustainable and competitive African art market. We have a long-term vision, and these projects are just the beginning of our efforts to continue showcasing our culture and creativity.
Ngalula MAFWATA: Are there any artists you are particularly following, any favorites?
Orland ETOUMBAKOUNDOU: We are closely following several emerging artists who bring a new vision of African art. Without naming any particular one, we are always on the lookout for talents that push boundaries and offer an innovative perspective on our society and culture.
