LONDON.- Gerard Sekoto, the widely recognised pioneer for black South African modern art, led the success of the
Bonhams South African Art Sale today at New Bond Street (12 September). His top two works far exceeded their initial estimate. Portrait of a Man, achieved an impressive 380,750 against an estimate of 100,000-150,000, while Three School Girls made 308,750 from an estimate of 120,000-180,000.
Bonhams Director of the South African Sale, Giles Peppiatt commented, “The sale today demonstrates the continuous growth of popular interest in South African art, with particular enthusiasm for artists such as Gerard Sekoto and William Kentridge.”
Other highlights include:
• William Kentridge’s work Drive-in (drawing for ‘Felix in Exile’), sold for 106,250. The estimate was 40,000-60,000.
• Irma Stern’s (South African, 1894-1966), The Visitation, surpassed its estimate of 25,000-35,000, achieving an impressive 52,000.
• Maud Frances Eyston Sumner (South African, 1902-1985), Village on a Lake, sold for 50,000.
• Gerard Sekoto’s Portrait of a Woman, highly contrasted piece, completed in the artist’s 'Blue Head' period, sold for 47,500.
