Four Curated Online Sales in November 

15 Nov 2024

“Compelling Narratives: South African Contemporary Art” focuses on a range of artists, young and old, who are challenging boundaries with fresh perspectives, innovative techniques and engaging narratives. The sale captures the energy, boldness, and originality of artistic practices, many of which contribute to and shape contemporary art discourse in South Africa. Highlights include impactful works such as Nandipha Mntambo’s Dissonance, a symbolic depiction of landscape made from gold-leafed lithograph on paper, Matthew Hindley’s Blue Series, continuing his explorations through a poetic language of painting and Colbert Mashile’s Three Figures Wrapped in Blankets, an evocative, textured and vibrant work depicting a pastoral scene. Many of these artists exemplify a sense of newness in their storytelling methods and approach. The sale includes a significant work by visual activist Zanele Muholi, Isililo XX. The inkjet print on cotton fibre-based paper forms part of the artist’s “Somnyama Ngonyama – Hail the Dark Lioness” series, a quintessential body of work in which Muholi creates striking self-portraits that explore themes of identity, race, and resilience. 

The second sale, “November Art,” features Art Club and sessions focused on specific mediums— Ceramics, Paintings, Works on Paper, and Editions. Taking a cue from Strauss & Co’s Art Club, an in-person and digital initiative that encourages conversations and connections between art lovers, the Art Club session spotlights established contemporary artists whose works continue to inspire and challenge audiences. Key sales highlights include William Kentridge’s Nose 20 from his series of small-scale drawings and collages based on an 1837  short story by Gogol where a man attempts to find his missing nose and reattach it to his face. 

The mediums sessions (Ceramics, Paintings, Works on Paper, and Editions) highlight the specific qualities and techniques that make each medium distinct, inviting collectors to engage more deeply with their textures and styles — be it ceramics that embody sculptural form, paintings that capture depth through colour and layered brushwork or works on paper and editions that intricately reveal the artist’s hand through drawing and printmaking. 

Alongside the contemporary art sales is a jewellery sale, “SA Jewellery Designers Edition”, which showcases designs that reflect the spirit of young South African designers — fusing contemporary techniques through bold and expressive motifs. Highlights in the sale include 18k yellow gold opal and diamond hoops, a rose quartz flower necklace, and a range of rings and pendants made from precious stones including tanzanite, citrine, and tourmaline.

The selection features work by talented Southern African designers;  Lilja Hastie, a jeweller from Tshwane, known for her meaningful pieces that blend artisanal craftsmanship with cultural resonance; Kelly Jay, a jewellery designer originally from Zimbabwe, who creates ethically sourced pieces that carry deep symbolic meaning; Johannesburg-based Eric Loubser, renowned for his handmade jewellery that incorporates themes of absurdity and irony; alongside Taz Watson, a Cape Town-based designer and gemologist, who honours individuality through a playful yet practical approach.

Spreading Christmas cheer and the spirit of giving, the final sale is “Tis The Season”, a charity sale, raising funds for the Orange Art Project (OAP), with the support of The Desmond & Leah Tutu Foundation. The Orange Art Project is a registered South African NPC that facilitates art sessions for children and youth in foster families across Cape Town. The auction will offer a selection of works including by artists Judy Conway, Marlise Keith, Lwandiso Botoso, Barbara Vos, Sam Nhlengethwa, David Koloane, Willem Boshoff and Jürgen Schadeberg, among others. 

Dates

• “Compelling Narratives: South African Contemporary Art, a timed online sale, Opens at 8:00 am Sat, 16 Nov 2024.
• “November Art”, a timed online sale, Opens at 8:00 am Fri, 15 Nov 2024.
• “SA Jewellery Designers Edition”, a timed online sale, Opens at 8:00 am Fri, 15 Nov 2024.
• “Tis The Season”, a timed online sale, Opens at 8:00 am Fri, 15 Nov 2024. 

Established in 2009, Strauss & Co is the leading art auction house in Africa, specialising in modern and contemporary art, collectable design, fine wine and jewellery. With a focus on African and international art, Strauss & Co caters to art enthusiasts at all price levels with its careful mix of marquee live auctions, single-artist sales, spotlight presentations and popular monthly online sales. Private treaty services are also available. The company actively champions artists, designers and wine producers from Africa and supports various education and community engagement programmes, including a year-round programme of exhibitions in Cape Town, Johannesburg, London and Stellenbosch.