Winter Collection

Aspire Art Auctions is proud to announce the Winter Collection – a timed-online auction featuring a unique collection of modern and contemporary art, ceramics, collectables and books.

Running from Tuesday 24–31 August, the Winter Collection differentiates itself from previous timed-online auctions with its wide range of contemporary art alongside more historic works, multiples and editions, photography, sculpture, ceramics and an impressive selection of signed art books. 

In celebration of Women’s Month, in homage to the female artists who have made such lasting and far-reaching impact on the arts and culture in South Africa, the sale opens with an offering of over 60 lots, exclusively by important woman artists, such as Penny Siopis, Marlene Dumas, Esther Mahlanhgu, Deborah Bell, Lisa Brice, Noria Mabasa, Nandipha Mntambo, Turiya Magadlela, Joni Brenner, Ruby Swinney, Teresa Kutala Firmino, Cecily Sash, Judith Mason, Helen Sebidi and more.

For the rabologists – five group lots of collectable canes and walking sticks from the Peter Schütz (1942-2008) collection will be available. Schütz, a well-loved sculptor and teacher, won the Standard Bank Young Artist Award in 1984, the Cape Town Triennial Gold Medal in 1988, and represented South Africa in Chile an Morocco at official presentations. Remembered with deep affection by his students, he taught at major tertiary institutions including the Technikon Natal and the University of the Witwatersrand. These lots present a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of South African art history.

Notably, collectable books about prominent artists such as Maggie Laubser, J.H. Pierneef, Gerard Sekoto and Walter Battiss will be on offer, with a group lot of books on Nelson Mandela, one of which is signed by the great statesman. Two lots of Brenthurst Press first and second series volumes, about the history of South Africa, will entice collectors of Africana. The collection includes nine editions from David Goldblatt, six of which are signed by the prominent photographer, and five William Kentridge books which are all signed.

The Ardmore Design ceramics studio is well represented in nine lots of various utilitarian sculptures and vessels, created by Zulu artists in the Natal midlands, adding a colourful display of playful African works to the fold. Additionally, ceramic artworks by Hylton Nel and Noria Mabasa complement the offering.

Collectors of Contemporary Art have much to look forward to, including paintings by Zemba Luzamba, Nelson Makamo, Bambo Sibiya, Sam Nhlengethwa, Andrew Verster and Johannes Phokela, amongst others.

For the third consecutive year, Aspire is auctioning a selection of works within the Winter Collection to support the Blessing Ngobeni Art Prize (BNAP), an award founded by artist Blessing Ngobeni. Having personally benefitted from the positive impact of the arts, Ngobeni has made it his mission to give back, annually, through the self-founded prize which assists young and emerging artists in launching professional careers by providing a studio residency and a solo exhibition.

For this year’s award, works have been contributed by co-founders Blessing Ngobeni and Teresa Kutala Firmino, as well as Asanda Kupa, Partick Seruwu, Themba Khumalo and Percy Maimela, amongst others.