“Napoleon’s Jewels” served as the theme for Sunday Supper #006, powered by Creative Africa in Brooklyn, NY. This edition of Sunday Supper, held on October 26 in a Black-owned Brownstone, firmly reflected African traditions, Black art, and food. The event explored how African ingredients, enslaved cooks, and colonial trade routes established the foundation of European luxury.
Attendees walked in and instantly observed a live artist painting an image of a curvy brown-skinned woman, which boldly led the way for immediate ice-breaker conversations. The artist behind it, Lili Rochelle, allows painting to guide her through calmness and life’s frustrating moments. “Whatever emotions I have, I pour them directly onto the canvas,” said Rochelle. She referred to her paintings of curvy women as “beautiful goddesses.”
Creative Africa describes itself as a cultural platform dedicated to celebrating and advancing the voices of the African diaspora through art, fashion, and community-driven experiences. Sunday Supper #006 exhibited passions about food and art transparently. This Sunday Supper’s theme of “Napoleon’s Jewels” was based on a song produced by artist Marc Andre. The Paris native, along with Nigerian artist Dapo Davinci, oversees 1-800-Art-Dept, a “multidisciplinary collective that seamlessly blends art, culture, and commerce to create innovative solutions across industries,” according to its website.
“Creative Africa is an umbrella and a base ground for African visitors, housing 1-800-Art-Dept,” said Davinci. Their art department partnered with Jamaican and Nigerian Chef London Chase to curate Sunday Supper #006. Andre and Davinci had their separate works on display, as well as their collaborative piece called “Untitled,” which mainly showed shades of blue and three figures, including the middle one with red glasses on holding a yellow phone to its ear. “It means something to the [1-800] Art-Dept,” said Andre. The vital element in their painting is the yellow phone. It is paramount — everything else painted, followed. “When we pick up that phone, when people hit us up, we’re ready to work on art, we’re ready to attack an art project,” said Andre.
Davinci was very satisfied with the evening’s turnout and pleased with everyone who supported it. He was also happy to see artists connecting and networking over dinner. He praised the quality of the delicious food made by Chef London and his crew. Post dinner, Chef London described feeling “content and grateful.”
Brenika Banks photos
Artworks and 1-800-Art-Dept. merchandise at Sunday Supper #006 powered by Creative Africa. 
Artist Lili Rochelle (right) with Adrielle Nicole after purchasing Rochelle’s blue painting at Sunday Supper #006. 
(from left to right) Chef London Chase, AmNews journalist Brenika Banks, artists Dapo Davinci and Marc Andre at Sunday Supper #006 in Brooklyn, NY. 
Artworks by artists Marc Andre and Dapo Davinci at Sunday Supper #006. 
Artist Lili Rochelle’s curvy women paintings at Sunday Supper #006 in Brooklyn, 
(from left to right) Chef London Chase, painter Lili Rochelle, artists Marc Andre and Dapo Davinci at Sunday Supper #006 in Brooklyn, NY. 
A plate of catfish, asparagus, mac & cheese and rice at Sunday Supper #006. 
Dinner is served during Sunday Supper #006 powered by Creative Africa. 
Chef London Chase speaking to attendees at Sunday Supper #006 prior to serving dinner.
“When [1-800] Art-Dept initially created this concept, they created this concept which features community,” said Chef London. Understanding he wouldn’t make a profit from the event, he emphasized the importance of building community outside of monetary value. Chef London, Andre, and Davinci all contributed to the art and dinner event as a safe space for Black people. The goal was for Black people to relax while enjoying food and art. “I think it’s important for us to create the dialogue behind being able to sit down and commune,” said Chef London.
Chef London spent over 10 years in hospitality and studying culinary. His representation as a head chef and Black man with locs is untraditional. His awareness of African herbs and spices traditionally used within cooking is fitting. According to the Journal of Functional Foods via sciencedirect.com, “flavoring meals with herbs and spices has health, nutritional, and functional benefits.” This Functional Foods edition also highlighted that herbs and spices contain valuable naturally occurring phytochemical components with bioactive effects and medicinal and functional properties.
Chef London believes spices were taken from Africans as they were robbed of their strength. He stated spices and herbs hold spiritual meanings. “Spices are something that represents who we are as people,” said Chef London. He is proficient in using shadow benni, or culantro, and star anise when cooking. “In the space of curating something like this, I want us to remember our resilience – remember all the strength that the Most High gave us.”
For more information, visit creativeafrica.us and 1800artdept.net.