April 24th 2024.
Published on August 3, 2015, nestled in the heart of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, New York, is a magnificent $10 million collection of African art, proudly owned by Eric Edwards, a former AT&T executive. When asked about his love for African history, Edwards fondly recalls how it ignited during his childhood, but it wasn't until the 1970s that he began purchasing art. He never intended to become a collector, but the peace and tranquility that the art brought him was a welcome escape from his busy life in New York City.
After more than 40 years of collecting artifacts representing 54 African countries and 4,000 years of history, Edwards realized that his private collection needed a home. And so, he made the decision to open The Cultural Museum of African Art, showcasing over 2,000 pieces from his collection, a world-class library, youth education programs, and a research and media center. According to Edwards, the principle of the museum is based on the West African Sankofa principle, which teaches that one cannot know where they are going without knowing where they've been.
In an interview, Edwards shared more about his plans for the museum and his tips for investing in African art. When asked about his inspiration for Africa, he credits his parents, especially his father, who was an immigrant from Barbados. Growing up in a time of racism against people of African descent in the United States, his father was determined to teach his children about African culture and history, fearing they would not learn it in school.
Edwards also shared the experience that sparked his interest in collecting art. He has always had a passion for audiophilia and was a member of the two top audio files society in New York. During meetings at members' homes, he noticed a lot of African art and was intrigued. When he asked how they acquired the pieces, he was directed to art galleries and auction houses. This encounter ignited a flame in him, and he soon purchased his first piece, a maternity figure from the Ivory Coast, for $300.
When asked about what he looks for when purchasing art, Edwards emphasizes the importance of the history behind each piece. He explains that his love for African art coincided with his love for African history, and he built a library just as powerful as his collection. He believes that the art is not only beautiful but also three-dimensional, with each piece serving a unique purpose in everyday life, be it for protection, religious ceremonies, or honoring ancestors.
For those interested in investing in or buying African art, Edwards has some valuable advice. He firmly believes that everyone should own a piece of African art and suggests buying pieces made in Africa that represent a particular cultural group or tradition. He also recommends going directly to the source and building relationships with artisans. Edwards has purchased art from prestigious auction houses, galleries, and private collections around the world, and he has even developed relationships with royal families in Africa, purchasing pieces directly from them.
To document his purchases, Edwards developed a database to document each piece in his collection, something he believes is essential for aspiring art collectors. His love for African art has not only brought him peace and tranquility but also allowed him to build relationships and learn about the rich history and cultural traditions of the continent. As he prepares to open his museum, Edwards hopes to share this knowledge and passion with others.
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