Strauss & Co’s ‘November Art’ Auction presents a selection of hidden gems waiting to be uncovered. Featuring an extraordinary selection across a range of mediums and genres, ‘November Art’ highlights some of the most intriguing works in modern and contemporary South African art. With six thoughtfully curated sessions, this auction highlights an array of works that resonate with depth.
Alongside a sale of art, there is also an exciting sale showcasing the remarkable creativity and innovation of South Africa’s jewellery design scene, ‘SA Jewellery Designers Edition’. Collectors can discover exceptional jewellery featuring works by local talents such as Taz Watson, Eric Loubser, Kelly-Jay, and Lilja Hastie.
Explore Distinct Narratives from the Art Club Session
The Art Club Session coalesces works offering unique perspectives on art and storytelling. Among them is Nils Burwitz’s ‘Beginning’, a striking painting that celebrates abstraction and colour, drawing viewers into the dynamic interplay between form and hue. Alongside this work is ‘New Horizons’, a meditative work that uses the horizon as a metaphor for endless possibility and transformation. Adding a literary dimension to the selection is Burwitz’s screenprint on paper ‘To Athol Fugard’, a moving tribute to South Africa’s greatest playwright, whose stories have profoundly shaped the cultural landscape.
Surface Exploration Through Mixed Media Works
One of the most intriguing works in this session is Maja Marx’s ‘Site: Crease; Site: Sectional Green, two’, a mixed-media work that exemplifies Marx’s mastery of surface activation. Marx’s process involves mapping ‘found’ compositions onto a surface – be it a canvas, a wall, paper etc – allowing layers of paint, cotton, pencil and more to interact, resulting in evocative abstract works.
South African Masters
‘November Art’ includes iconic works by renowned South African artists. Among them is Gail Catlin, whose innovative use of liquid crystal as a primary medium has established her as a pioneer. Her works, rich in texture, evoke emotional responses through their unique interplay of colour and form. Another gem is Leonora Everard-Haden’s ‘Reflection of Trees on a River’, a painting that captures the mystery of the natural world with sensual brushwork, as well as Erik Laubscher, whose diptych mosaic, ‘Donker Kloof’, holds rich cultural significance. Also featured are William Kentridge’s ‘Nose 19’ and ‘Nose 20’. These significant etchings delve into themes of identity and loss using Kentridge’s characteristic blend of wit and sensitivity.
The Intimacy of Paper
Works on paper hold a special place in this auction, offering collectors an intimate glimpse into the creative processes of some of South Africa’s most celebrated artists using this medium. Among the highlights are Robert Hodgins’ compelling works, including ‘Fat Man’ and ‘Your Case is…’, which reflect his satirical observations of the human condition.
Willie Bester’s ‘Chained Figure in an Abstract Landscape’, a rare watercolour from 2007, stands alongside his iconic assemblage piece ‘District Six’, a powerful commentary on the country’s turbulent history evoked through the title of the work. Alongside these works are Jacob Hendrik Pierneef’s pencil and watercolour masterpiece ‘By Tabaizimbi (sic), Rustenberg’ from 1944 and Marjorie Wallace’s deeply moving ‘Portrait of an Elderly Woman’ which offer a sense of paper as a medium that holds versatility.
‘November Art’ includes a selection of works by Ardmore Ceramic Studio, known for their imaginative designs, reflecting a melding of African artistry and craftsmanship.
Alongside ‘November Art’, Strauss & Co presents ‘Compelling Narratives’, a sale that features some of the most exciting contemporary works, including Lionel Smit’s bold explorations of figuration, Conrad Botes’ satirical narratives and Nandipha Mntambo’s innovative works that reimagine relationships between landscape and identity.
Additionally, to celebrate the festive spirit during a time of giving, the ‘Tis The Season charity auction supports the Orange Art Project (OAP), a registered South African NPC that facilitates art sessions for children and youth in foster families across Cape Town.
Key Dates
- November Art, a Timed Online Auction, closing from 2pm on 2 December 2024.
- ‘Tis The Season, an Online-Only Auction, closing from 5pm on 2 December 2024.
- Compelling Narratives, a Timed Online Auction, closing from 2pm on 3 December 2024.
- SA Jewellery Designers Edition: a Timed Online Auction, closing from 5pm on 3 December 2024.
To browse, register and bid www.straussart.co.za
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