Strauss & Co Announces Nature-Inspired Art Auction to Coincide with Hermanus Fynarts Festival 2024

31 May 2024

“Our selection for this Online (Day Sale) and Live (Evening Sale) auction underscores the enduring relevance of nature in art,” says Leigh Leyde, Head of Sale, Strauss & Co. “South African artists have long drawn inspiration from the earth, capturing the beauty and complexity of flora and landscapes. This selection showcases botanical depictions, landscapes, coastal scenes, floral still lifes, and garden scenes in the Cape and beyond.”

Notable pieces include William Kentridge’s evocative portrayals of trees and reeds and Nic Bladen’s delicate sculptures of endangered Cape plant species.

“These works delve into the intricate relationship between the natural world and artistic expression, highlighting contemporary ecological concerns,” adds Leigh Leyde. “Phillip Grieves’ botanical watercolours of butterflies, which transcend scientific accuracy, further illustrate the harmony between scientific precision and artistic creativity.” The sale also features works by Irma Stern, JH Pierneef, Alexis Preller and Maggie Laubscher.

In celebration of the Hermanus Fynarts Festival 2024, Strauss & Co is proud to feature a selection of works curated by Intethe Gallery, Hermanus. The gallery was established in 2015 by Barbara Lindop, a legendary figure who has devoted over 45 years to identifying the extraordinary talent of Southern African artists. Lindop is perhaps best known for her work on Gerard Sekoto, one of South Africa’s most important modernist artists. Twenty-two artworks across the two auctions are from Intethe Gallery’s collective.

“These artists, united in their common purpose, create aesthetic and relevant artistic commentary on contemporary sociopolitical concerns,” says Barbara Lindop. “Their work is poetic, powerful, and thought-provoking. “The auction presents pieces that explore global warming, cultural practices, the beauty of the natural world and its spirituality, political commentary, and the celebration of humanity.”

As part of its contribution to Hermanus Fynarts Festival 2024, Strauss & Co is hosting events to enhance public engagement and education. These events provide opportunities for the public to engage with art on a more profound level, enriching their understanding and connection to the artworks.

Saturday, 8 June 2024
at 2pm
Exhibition: Mikhael Subotzky Photographer
Opening with guest speaker Bina Genovese, Managing Executive, Director and Auctioneer
at 3pm: Celebrating Sydney Kumalo and Ezrom Lagae, a talk with Marion Dixon, Senior Art Specialist and Representative for the Winelands, at Hermanus Municipal Auditorium.

Monday, 10 June 2024 at 3pm: Art Rooted in Nature, a talk with Leigh Leyde, Art Researcher and Cataloguer, at Hermanus Municipal Auditorium, followed by a mock auction with Bina Genovese – Managing Executive, Director and Auctioneer

Strauss & Co will also hold a Valuation Day at Marine Hotel, Hermanus on Monday, 10 June 2024 from 10am – 3pm. Contact Elmarie van Straten elmarie@straussart.co.za for details.

Art Rooted in Nature
AUCTION:
Day Sale: ONLINE only
opens 7 June and closes 25 June from 2pm

Evening Sale: LIVE VIRTUAL
Tuesday 25 June at 7pm
Venue: Strauss & Co – Brickfield Canvas, 35 Brickfield Road, Woodstock, Cape Town

PREVIEW
Monday to Friday
9am to 5pm
Open: Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 June For more information, please contact:
Leigh Leyde, Specialist Lead  | Email: leigh.leyde@straussart.co.za  | Phone: +27 21 683 6560

bids@straussart.co.za