June
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).
May
Aspire Art is excited to present Selects, an exhibition and Timed-Online Auction of contemporary artworks from the notable M&C Saatchi Abel Collection.
Selects draws attention to the talented artists that caught the agency’s Executive Chairman, Mike Abel’s eye and who have gone on to become important figures on the contemporary art scene. Included are works by Mikhael Subotzky, Mohau Modisakeng, Cyrus Kabiru, Ian Grose, Ruby Swinney, 2021 Standard Bank Young Artist Award winner Buhle Siwani and Saatchi Global Art for Change award winner Samuel Nnorom among others.
The exhibition opens on Thursday, 4 May at 6pm at Aspire’s gallery in Cape Town as part of First Thursdays.
April
Aspire Art invites you to delve into exciting and fresh works, bold colours and current themes in the Timed-Online auction CONTEMPORARY ART. Including carefully selected, local and international pieces, collectors will enjoy unique perspectives and mediums from some of the most popular artists in the current contemporary art market including William Kentridge, Diane Victor, Zander Blom, Georgina Gratrix, Jake Aikman, Simphiwe Ndzube, Ndikhumbule Ngqinambi, Mongezi Ncaphayi, Sam Nhlengethwa, Sepideh Mehreban, Michael MacGarry, Colbert Mashile, and more!
March
Kickstarting the 2023 program Aspire Art are delighted to present their first Live sale, 20th Century & Contemporary Art in March. The sale has become a highly anticipated event in the Cape Town auction calendar, showcasing and recognising works by truly exceptional artists from Southern Africa.
Contemporary highlights include seminal works by William Kentridge, Robert Hodgins, Sue Williamson, Johannes Phokela, Zander Blom, Athi-Patra Ruga, Dan Halter and Georgina Gratrix amongst others. International superstars include Pascale Marthine Tayou and Francisco Vidal. Photographic works feature prominently as a special section and include limited editioned prints by celebrated documentary photographers Alf Kumalo and David Goldblatt alongside incredible photographic works by artists like Mary Sibande, Ayana Jackson, Candice Breitz and the award-winning Mikhael Subotzky.
Leading the sale is a group of important and rare works by South African modern masters, most significantly a selection of expressive drawings by Dumile Feni and paintings by social realist George Pemba. The modern collection is complimented by a landscape painted by J.H. Pierneef and a beautifully rendered gouache by Irma Stern from 1951.
Preview: 10 to15 March
Mon-Fri: 8.30-4.30, Saturday: 10-2 or by appointment
Aspire Art presents a specially themed Timed-Online auction, EDITIONS. A fresh range of modern and contemporary art highlighting editioned works, the sale showcases well-loved South African artists including Penny Siopis, Diane Victor, Peter Clarke, Sam Nhlengethwa, Robert Hodgins, Walter Battiss and William Kentridge. Also included are special William Kentridge publications and a delightful collection of plush toys by Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami.
February
Aspire Art presents a specially themed Timed-Online auction, EDITIONS. A fresh range of modern and contemporary art highlighting editioned works, the sale showcases well-loved South African artists including Penny Siopis, Diane Victor, Peter Clarke, Sam Nhlengethwa, Robert Hodgins, Walter Battiss and William Kentridge. Also included are special William Kentridge publications and a delightful collection of plush toys by Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami.