Aspire Art will impress collectors with this focused, boutique-style auction in Johannesburg. A feature of the carefully compiled collection is a strong focus on contemporary African artists. Collectors of contemporary works from Africa will be spoilt for choice with works by Thierry Oussou (Benin), Richard Mudariki (Zimbabwe) and Banele Khoza (Swaziland). Local contemporary favourites include Nandipha Mntambo, Cinga Samson and Gerhard Marx amongst others. Contemporary photographers are also well represented with works by Aida Muluneh (Ethiopia), Kudzanai Chiurai (Zimbabwe) and South African international superstar, Zanele Muholi, while important historical images are included with works of Winnie Mandela by Alf Kumalo and a portfolio of twelve works – chronicling the hardships of apartheid – from Ernest Cole’s seminal House of Bondage (1967).
A highlight of the sale is South African modernist Alexis Preller’s, Adam (1972) – a recently discovered, never before seen, work forming part of Preller’s series of Adamic-themed works from the late 1960s and early 1970s. Other significant modern pieces include a unique terrazzo sculpture by Edoardo Villa, still lifes by Maggie Laubser and works by Cecil Skotnes, Walter Battiss and J.H Pierneef.
The sale concludes with a special section of William Kentridge editioned prints led by the impressive Blue Head (1993 – 1998).
Lot 49 - William Kentridge (South Africa 1955-) Untitled (Artist Bending)
Sold for R44,555
Lot 50 - William Kentridge (South Africa 1955-) I Am Still Learning
Sold for R91,500
Lot 51 - William Kentridge (South Africa 1955-) Levitation
Sold for R194,438
Lot 52 - William Kentridge (South Africa 1955-) Untitled (Baedecker Portfolio), three
Sold for R108,656
Lot 53 - William Kentridge (South Africa 1955-) Universal Archive (Six Birds)
Sold for R411,750
Lot 54 - William Kentridge and Gerhard Marx (South Africa 1955-) Fire Walker (Deluxe Edition)
Estimated at R80,000 - R120,000
Lot 55 - William Kentridge (South Africa 1955-) Scribe
Sold for R58,625
Lot 56 - William Kentridge (South Africa 1955-) Landscape with trees
Sold for R52,762
Lot 57 - William Kentridge (South Africa 1955-) The Head and the Load are the Troubles of the Neck
Sold for R39,865
Lot 58 - William Kentridge (South Africa 1955-) Resist The Hour
Sold for R137,250