11th Sep, 2024 19:00
20th Century & Contemporary Art
10
Jackson Hlungwani (South Africa 1923-2010)
Self Portrait – Drum
Silver Cluster Leaf wood and cowhide
Artwork date: c. 1980
Signature details: inscribed 'Jeckisoni hlungwani sagani' at the back
Exhibited: Norval Foundation, Cape Town, Alt and Omega: Jackson Hlungwani, 29 August 2020 to 10 January 2022.
SAADA Antiques Fair, Kirstenbosch Gardens, Cape Town, Johans Borman Fine Art Booth, 11 to 12 February 2012.
Johans Borman Fine Art, Cape Town, Art that Inspires:10-20 Anniversary, 15 August to 12 September 2009.
Literature: 'Jackson Hlungwani - Alt and Omega'. (2022). [Exhibition catalogue]. Norval Foundation, Cape Town. September 2020 - November 2022, illustrated on p. 88 – 279.
Cohen, L. S. (1993). 'Jackson Hlungwani: A Resource Book'. Johannesburg: Johannesburg Art Gallery, illustrated on pp.1-2.
Sold for R123,112
Estimated at R50,000 - R70,000
Condition Report
The overall condition is excellent.
Please note, we are not qualified conservators and these reports give our opinion as to the general condition of the works. We advise that bidders view the lots in person to satisfy themselves with the condition of prospective purchases.
Silver Cluster Leaf wood and cowhide
Artwork date: c. 1980
Signature details: inscribed 'Jeckisoni hlungwani sagani' at the back
Exhibited: Norval Foundation, Cape Town, Alt and Omega: Jackson Hlungwani, 29 August 2020 to 10 January 2022.
SAADA Antiques Fair, Kirstenbosch Gardens, Cape Town, Johans Borman Fine Art Booth, 11 to 12 February 2012.
Johans Borman Fine Art, Cape Town, Art that Inspires:10-20 Anniversary, 15 August to 12 September 2009.
Literature: 'Jackson Hlungwani - Alt and Omega'. (2022). [Exhibition catalogue]. Norval Foundation, Cape Town. September 2020 - November 2022, illustrated on p. 88 – 279.
Cohen, L. S. (1993). 'Jackson Hlungwani: A Resource Book'. Johannesburg: Johannesburg Art Gallery, illustrated on pp.1-2.
(1)
110 x 44 x 40 cm
Provenance:
Private Collection, Spain.
Johans Borman Fine Art, Cape Town.
Dr. Marais, Limpopo Province.
Gallery 181, Johannesburg.
ABOUT THE ARTWORK
Following a transformative spiritual encounter in 1978, Jackson Hlungwani's creative work became increasingly complex and prolific. Self-taught, he developed a unique artistic genre closely tied to his spiritual beliefs and practices, merging Tsonga-Shangaan wood carving traditions with popular culture, and weaving together biblical narratives with African spirituality.
In this sculptural self-portrait, he transforms himself into a drum, specifically resembling a traditional African Djembe. The Djembe, historically used in healing ceremonies, rites of passage, and spiritual rituals, holds deep cultural significance. Hlungwani's sculpture, carved from a single log of wood, features a smooth, unified surface, and its simplified proportions are shaped by the natural form of the wood.
The figure reflects his physical traits and embodies his values and life purpose. The facial features in the sculpture are stylistically similar to those seen in older examples of Tsonga and Shangaan sculptural forms. The eyes, nose, mouth, and ears, are carved with deliberate incisions that convey a serene, contemplative expression. The long beard is detailed with rhythmic vertical lines, and the large, round ears add to the sculpture’s expressive quality. The arms, resting on the belly, are transformed into serpents with stylised scales which is indicative of Hlungwani’s symbolic approach.
Jackson Hlungwani with Self Portrait - Drum.
In African traditions, drums symbolize communication with ancestors and the spirit world. By depicting himself as a drum, Hlungwani suggests his role as a spiritual messenger, conveying both his Christian and African beliefs. The presence of serpents in the sculpture highlights the duality in his work, representing both biblical and ancestral symbolism.
Self Portrait - Drum in situ in Alt and Omega: Jackson Hlungwani at Norval Foundation in 2020.
COLLECTIONS:
The artist is represented in numerous local collections, notably, the Irma Stern Museum, Cape Town; Johannesburg Art Gallery; Javett Art Centre, Pretoria; Iziko SA National Gallery, Cape Town; University of Cape Town; University of South Africa, Pretoria and University of the Witwatersrand.
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HIGHLIGHTS
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IMPORTANT NOTICE:
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Small (≤60x90x10 cm): R480
Medium (≤90x120x15 cm): R960
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Over-size: Special quote
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