NEW YORK, NY.- Phillips de Pury & Companys AFRICA sale totaled $1,401,038 selling 74% by value and 62% by lot.
The auction showcased work by established and emerging artists, reflecting the spirit of the African continent and its global impact. This unique sale, the first auction of its kind to address the burgeoning market for contemporary art and photography of Africa and the African Diaspora, generated excitement and interest amongst international collectors culminating in great results.
Top prices for contemporary works include Chéri Sambas Jaime la Couleur, which sold for $98,500 (estimate $60,000-80,000), a world auction record for the artist; William Kentridges Bicycle Kick, for $68,500 (Estimate $50,000-70,000); and Yinka Shonibares Man On Unicycle (Estimate $80,000-120,000) and Un Ballo In Maschera (I-X)( estimate $60,000-80,000), which sold for $108,100 and $80,500, respectively.
Impressive results for photographs include Renee Coxs Yo Mamas Last Supper (estimate $30,000-50,000) and Zwelethu Mthethwas Untitled from Sugar Cane Series (estimate $10,000-15,000), selling for $37,500 and $27,500, respectively, both auction records.
These results confirm the market for African contemporary art is healthy; we expect a swift upswing in demand for work by these artists over next 2 to 4 years. Corey Barr, New York head of Theme sales.
Top Ten Lots
YINKA SHONIBARE, Man On Unicycle; $108,100
CHÉRI SAMBA, Jaime la couleur; $98,500
YINKA SHONIBARE, Un Ballo in Maschera (I-X); $80,500
ZHONG BIAO, Football Miracle; $68,500
WILLIAM KENTRIDGE, Bicycle Kick; $56,250
JOHN GOBA, Hunter's Zone; $40,000
RENEE COX, Yo Mama's Last Supper; $37,500
WILLIAM KENTRIDGE, Learning the Flute (Encyclopedia); $37,500
SATCH HOYT, Rimology; $31,250
ZWELETHU MTHETHWA, Untitled from Sugar Cane Series; $27,500
Phillips de Pury & Company will continue its Theme auction program with FILM, taking place on June 24th in New York, and ITALIA, on June 30th in London. The Fall season will include LATIN AMERICA, MUSIC and the 80s in New York; and BLACK & WHITE, JAPAN, and NOW: Art of the 21st Century in London.