18/05/2022 Timed-Online Auctions
Aspire Art proudly presents VOLUMES, a Timed Online book auction taking place from 19-26 May. The special sale focuses on art books and books by and about artist and covers everything from rare and collectible ephemera to reference works and artist’s monographs.
Notably, the sale features a substantial selection from Emma Bedford’s private collection of art books. Bedford, is a widely respected curator and writer herself. In her 25 years at the Iziko South African National Gallery, she curated important museum exhibitions for prominent artists including William Kentridge, Marlene Dumas, Moshekwa Langa, and Berni Searle amongst others. Over the course of her illustrious career, Bedford amassed a unique collection of art literature. Many of the books on offer are from artists and curators she collaborated with, giving collectors a unique opportunity to acquire interesting and important publications – many of which are signed by the authors and artists.
Also on offer is a unique collection focusing on artist Johannes Meintjies (1923-1980). Meintjies is widely celebrated for his expressive and enigmatic paintings, but his huge creative energy also extended to literature. A writer and historian, he published 35 books and was recognised with literary awards at the Van Riebeeck Commemoration Festival in 1951 and the Centenary Festival of Pretoria in 1955. Offered as a single lot of over 40 items, this collection consists of books – many signed – on and written by Meintjies including the artist’s diaries, his publication on fellow artist and friend Maggie Laubser and the autobiographical Jeugjare published in 1963.
For those interested in contemporary culture and critique, there is a full collection of Bitterkomix comic books, handbooks and special editions, signed by both artists and numbered 11/80 as well as a highly collectable lot of over 40 iJusi magazines and posters.
Kentridge enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice with 10 lots of books on the artist including Smoke Ashes Fable: William Kentridge in Bruges (2017) by Margaret K Koerner and William Kentridge: Notes Towards A Model Opera (2017) edited by Karen Marta. Other scarce publications include a signed copy of Irma Stern’s Zanzibar published in 1948 and Nandipha Mntambo: Standard Bank Young Artist Award published in 2011 and including essays by Ruth Simbao and David Elliott.
Bidding opens on Thursday 19 May and will run until Thursday 26 May with lots beginning to close at 6 pm.
View the entire collection, register and bid online here
SALE ENQUIRIES
Johannesburg: +27 10 109 7989 | jhb@aspireart.net
Cape Town: +27 21 422 5100 | ct@aspireart.net