Curatorial Voices: Modern and Contemporary Art From Africa

A selection of works from the Continent, for the Continent, to the World


Strauss & Co’s new pan-African auction, Curatorial Voices: Modern and Contemporary Art from Africa, will feature collectable art by pioneering modernist and trailblazing contemporary artists selected by five leading curators from important art centres in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Early highlights include works by contemporary artists Pierre-Christophe Gam, Cyrus Kabiru, Zanele Muholi, Simphiwe Ndzube, Thierry Oussou, Athi-Patra Ruga, Cinga Samson and Tafadzwa Tega.


Upcoming Highlights

Live Virtual Auction, 28 February 2023
Cinga Samson | Before the day has a meaning (detail) |
R 1 200 000 – 1 600 000 (approx $ 69 477 – 92 637)
Pilipili Mulongoy | Two Black Crowned Cranes (detail) |
R 70 000 – 90 000 (approx $ 4 057 – 5 216)
Samir Fouad | Seven-Up (detail)
Mavis Tauzeni | 8 Days a Week |
R 40 000 – 60 000 (approx $ 2 319 – 3 478)
Gerard Sekoto | Prayer in Church (detail) |
R 3 000 000 – 4 000 000 (approx $ 173 894 – 231 858)
Sane Wadu | Self Portrait as Fisherman (detail) |
R 50 000 – 80 000 (approx $ 2 898 – 4 637)

GUEST CURATORS

Kimberley Cunningham
_____
South Africa, Cunningham Contemporary

Since launching Cunningham Contemporary my mission has been to support art market by acting as a disruptor and engaging in meaningful collaboration. Collaborating with Strauss on a Contemporary sale that is for the continent, on the continent opens up conscious dialogue as well as shifting the traditional power balances within the market. Through a pioneering curatorial vision, we hope to empower the artists and patrons and continue to strengthen the art ecosystem from within.
Valerie Kabov
_____
Zimbabwe, First Floor Gallery Harare

“Since our, founding we have been committed to supporting emerging contemporary art in Zimbabwe and on the continent as well as building up the ecology of our art sectors from art education to secondary markets. Collaboration on this project is an opportunity to engage proactively with the auction sector to articulate a message of quality and merit. The proceeds from this auction will be used to support our residency and emerging artist development projects.“

Danda Jaroljmek
_____
Nairobi, Circle Art Agency

“Our intention is to create a strong and sustainable art market for East African artists. Through group and solo exhibitions, as well as participation in international art fairs, the gallery has increased visibility for established and emerging artists, both internationally and at home.”

Ann Kariuki
_____
Nairobi, Circle Art Agency

Working closely with regional and international collectors and curators, our online platforms to continue promoting challenging and thought-provoking contemporary art from East Africa.

Dana Endundo Ferreira
_____
Kinshasa, Pavilion54

With Pavillon54, I want to make “African” Art a cornerstone of the global art market and contribute to the development of a strong ecosystem that can support its sustainable development globally.”

Heba Elkayal
_____
Cairo, Independent Curator and Art Historian

Opportunities for Egyptian artists to be presented alongside other African contemporaries are few and far between, and I believe the works selected will engage in an important and timely dialogue with other artists and artworks from the rest of the Continent.


PROFILE OF A COLLECTOR

Serge Tiroche
_____
Africa First

With works selected by 5 leading curators from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, the DRC and Egypt, and with a mission to strengthen the connections across the African continent, I felt compelled to lend my support to this innovative auction that builds further bridges between primary and secondary markets and presents a compelling platform for a new generation of collectors across Africa. I for one, have been advocating for connectivity, transparency and cross-industry collaboration, in support of emerging artists, for over a decade. It felt natural to be part of this auction and to co-sponsor the first Art Business Conference in South Africa together with Africa’s undisputed leading auction house.”


UPCOMING EVENTS

SAVE THE DATE: Live Virtual Auction

DATE
Tuesday 28 February 2023 | Add to Calendar

VENUE
Brickfield Canvas, 35 Brickfield Road, Woodstock, Cape Town

PREVIEW
Monday 13 February – Tuesday 28 February 2023

Weekdays: 10am – 5pm

Saturday 18 February: 10am – 1pm

Saturday 25 – Sunday 26 February: 10am – 5pm


Curatorial Voices: Modern and Contemporary Art from Africa is a celebration of African achievement,”

Bina Genovese, Managing Executive, Strauss & Co