August ART, with a focus on art from KwaZulu-Natal

31 Jul 2024

Adding to the historical depth of the sale are artists whose works engage personal and familial histories through renderings of landscapes and seascapes that predominantly depict the Durban Harbour — coastal views and ships. The auction also celebrates the contributions of artists and educators from Durban and Pietermaritzburg institutions, such as Natal Technical College (now part of Durban University of Technology) and the University of KwaZulu-Natal, who have played a significant role in the development and promotion of art in KwaZulu-Natal. Featured artists include Andrew Verster, Clive van den Berg, Jeremy Wafer, Peter Schütz, Louise Hall, Ian Calder, Terence King, The Heath Family (Jack Heath, Jane Heath, Bronwen Heath), Carola Brotherton, Susan Davies, Vulindlela Nyoni, and Witty Nyide.

Alongside established figures are up and coming talent, offering a dynamic view of KwaZulu-Natal’s contemporary art scene. These include artists such as Siphesihle Ntsungwana and Sibusiso Mthembu, whose work showcases innovative approaches to artmaking.

A feature of the sale is the focus on works by a family of women artists including Edith King, Leonora Everard-Haden, and Nichola Leigh, revealing the essential contributions of female makers to South African art history. 

Traversing an array of forms and processes, the sale includes works by Thami Jali, Hussein Salim, Heather Conyngham, and Errol Boyley, who collectively explore the complex relationship between humanity and nature—from Jali’s abstract and jazz-inspired landscapes to Salim’s vibrant depictions of a land marred by human impact, Conyngham’s empathetic portrayals reflecting human consequence, and Boyley’s serene and realistic representations of the South African landscape—each artist offers a unique lens on landscapes and our interaction with it. 

The sale features a diverse selection of sculptural works —including notable works from Gert Swart, Michael Zondi, Carl Roberts, and Johannes Ngcobo —that highlight the varied approaches to sculpture in South Africa, from carved wood to bronze, the figural and the abstract. 

Clay’s significance and versatility are showcased with pieces by artists from The Rorke’s Drift Art and Craft Centre, vessels by the Nala and Magwaza families, as well as works by Clive Sithole and Andrew Walford, showcasing the emergence of ceramics as a vital and celebrated art form.

Textile art is well represented with a tapestry from Rorke’s Drift, woven copper vessels from the Threads of Africa project and from Sizwe Umoya, and traditional beadwork, including beaded sculptures.  There are also baskets woven by well-known artists Beauty Ngxongo and highly sought after maker, Reuben Ndwandwe. August ART is open for bidding from Friday, 2-12 August 2024.

Register, browse, bid and buy on www.straussart.co.za

Our team of specialists will be available for valuations at The Hilton Arts Festival, taking place at Hilton College from 2- 4 August 2024.