Timeless Views: Ancient Egypt in Dialogue with Contemporary Africa

An original exhibition at the Villa Empain

From April 10 to September 7, 2025, the Villa Empain in Brussels will host an exceptional exhibition entitled “Regards intemporels: des pharaons à aujourd’hui”. This initiative, the fruit of collaboration between the Boghossian Foundation and the Gandur Foundation for Art, establishes an unprecedented bridge between the Pharaonic heritage and contemporary African art. Nearly 130 works from the collections of Jean Claude Gandur will be on display, making this exhibition a first in Belgium.

An Eight-Themed Artistic Journey

Conceived by curators Louma Salamé and Xavier Droux, the exhibition is structured around eight major thematic sections exploring the way the world has been viewed and perceived through the ages.

Visitors will be able to admire emblematic pieces of Pharaonic civilization, such as the spectacular red granite bust of Ramses II, dating from the second half of the 2nd millennium BC. Other artifacts, such as masks, figurines and amulets, will illustrate the beliefs and rituals of the period.

Contemporary African Art in Resonance

Echoing these ancient treasures, the exhibition highlights contemporary African art and that of its diaspora. Over 40 works – paintings, photographs and sculptures – by renowned artists such as Omar Ba, Romuald Hazoumè, Mohau Modisakeng and Ghizlane Sahli will be on display. Their creations explore themes common to ancient Egypt, such as identity, spirituality and memory.

A Major Cultural Rendez-Vous

To mark the opening of the exhibition, an inaugural conference will be held on April 10, 2025. Hosted by cultural journalist Jean-Marie Wynants, it will bring together Jean Claude Gandur, who will share his experience as a collector and discuss the challenges of preserving and disseminating artistic heritage.

Jean Claude Gandur, Swiss entrepreneur and philanthropist, has been working for years to promote cultural heritage. His commitment is reflected in major exhibitions and the creation of a museum in Caen, scheduled to open in 2030.

Conclusion

By weaving a link between Egyptian antiquity and contemporary African art, “Regards intemporels” offers a profound reflection on cultural continuity and artistic exchange across the ages. This exhibition illustrates the richness and relevance of the dialogue between past and present, across borders and civilizations.