Art Matters with Gisèle Croës

Being in the presence of Gisèle Croës is a cinematic experience that can only be described as larger than life. Born into a humble family of Russian refugees living next to the Brussels flea market, Gisèle cut her own path of insatiable curiosity to become the world’s leading authority on ancient Chinese Art. Her life changed when she worked in China for Radio Peking between 1962 and 1965 when she fell in love with the people, the culture and the history of the country. A decade later she opened her first gallery in the Sablon. Five decades later, Gisèle’s reputation as the most important specialist in the world of ancient Chinese bronzes and Neolithic terracotta sculptures is well deserved. Her client list ranges from Larry Gagosian to museums like the Chicago Art Institute.

Whilst she has written the Bible on ancient Chinese Art, she has never forgotten where she comes from. Gisèle speaks with a wealth of experience and an inspiring smile that feeds her insatiable curiosity and passion for life. Perhaps it’s not a coincidence that Gisèle’s life is anchored in Opera and music because her mother named her after ballet Giselle.

From the traditions and techniques of the Neolithic Chinese treasures, she has developed her own unique approach to understanding the human condition. Listening to her, we quickly understand that the ability to make art is what makes our species human and that it is art that defines our humanity.

Join us for a unique Art Matters table as Gisèle Croës shares a long and fascinating lifetime of experience with a discussion that will take us on a journey that begins 6,000 years ago in China.