13/11/2024 Live Auctions, Insights
Pemba was more than just a portraitist, he was a compassionate observer, chronicling the ways of daily life in his community. A compassionate social realist, his paintings resonate with a deep understanding of his subjects.
Lot 23: Portrait of an African Woman Wearing Beads, 1948
Pemba’s desire to truly know and represent South Africans led him on a grand tour across the country in 1944, supported by the Bantu Welfare Trust. Immersed in diverse landscapes and cultures, he sought, as he put it, to capture “the soul of the South African peoples in their natural surroundings.”
Upon returning to his hometown of Port Elizabeth later that year, Pemba entered a period of prolific creativity and painting. Feeling he had come of age as an artist, he painted with fervour.
The captivating portrait of a young Xhosa woman, painted in 1948, four years following Pemba’s transformative journey through the country, exemplifies Pemba’s gift for empathetic observation.
The woman sits poised, adorned with traditional jewelry and facial markings that speak to her cultural heritage. Her almost coy gaze invites the viewer into her world. The warm, diffused light behind her perhaps suggests an illuminated doorway, framing her with dignity and presence.
Estimated at R300 000 – 400 000, this painting comes with impeccable provenance and presents a significant opportunity for the astute collector.
Aspire Art continues to validate and solidify George Pemba’s status and value in South African art. Through record-breaking auction results, we have witnessed an enduring appreciation for his work among collectors.
We currently hold the South African auction record for Pemba’s work with Nongqawuse (The Girl Who Killed to Save), achieving R910 400 in 2022.
Nongqawuse (The Girl Who Killed to Save), 1976
SOLD FOR R910 400.
Significantly, Pemba’s portraits consistently rank among our highest-selling works, underscoring the importance of the genre within the artist’s oeuvre.
LEFT: The Rev. John Knox Bokwe, 1978 | SOLD FOR: R694 180.
RIGHT: I Epolojice My Warship, 1947 | SOLD FOR: R682 800
Alongside his iconic oils, Pemba's watercolours also showcase his sensitivity and we’re delighted to feature a superb example in the upcoming sale. Painted in 1935, Old Man Drinking Umqombothi is a rare and impressive work from his formative years, further reflecting his deep connection to his subjects. This early portrait is delicately rendered and shows Pemba’s remarkable skill in watercolour to capture the unique character of his subjects with truth and care.
Lot 22: Old Man Drinking Umqombothi, 1935
Estimated at R 120 000 – 180 000, this work was previously selected to feature in Pemba’s 1996 retrospective at the Iziko National Gallery.
Celebrating the Spirit of South African Black Modernism
We remain steadfast in our commitment to promote and build value for the groundbreaking work of Black Modernist artists like George Pemba, whose contributions to South African art have been transformative.
Included in the collection of the upcoming auction are notable works by Gerard Sekoto and Dumile Feni, who’s legacies are currently celebrated in the seminal exhibition Foreigners Everywhere at the 60th Venice Biennale.
LEFT: lot 20: Gerard Sekoto| In the Bar, 1960
RIGHT: Lot 31: Dumile Feni | Monday is Washday, 1966
Late modernists Peter Clarke, Helen Sebidi, as well as Noria Mabasa and Esther Mahlangu, are also represented – their works not only reflect the complexity of their times but also challenge and redefine artistic expression in South Africa.
LEFT: Lot 24 | Mmakgabo Mapula Helen Sebidi | The Boys Return Home from Initiation, 2013-2014
RIGHT: Lot 21: Peter Clarke | Pondo Portrait, 1954
LEFT: Lot 7 | Esther Mahlangu | Ndebele Patterns (Purple and central motifs), 2015
RIGHT: Lot 26 | Noria Mabasa | Mother and child
BROWSE & DOWNLOAD THE CATALOGUE
Auction
20th Century & Contemporary Art
20 November 2024 at 7pm
Viewing:
13 - 20 November 2024
Monday – Friday: 8:30 am – 4:30pm
Saturday: 10 am – 2 pm
SALE ENQUIRIES
Cape Town: ct@aspireart.net | +27 21 418 0765
SPECIALISTS
Sarah Sinisi
sarah@aspireart.net
Amy Carrington
amy@aspireart.net
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