Tag: African Art

Global Art Exhibition โ€œStillnessโ€: Echoes of Humanity in a Restless World

Trauma leaves many traces, but not always in the form of visible pain. More often it lingers as silence: a frozen state of emotional detachment, an absence that resists articulation. The September group exhibition Stillness, presented by 34 Gallery in partnership with SimukaAfrica.org (SAYA), invites artists across continents to interpret this complex aftermath. The exhibition gathers a diverse roster of participating artists whose works span visual art, photography, digital media, and poetry. Together, they render the contours of stillness in its many forms.

African Artist Sekoto Shatters Expectations at Auction, Selling for Over Half a Million USDโ€”Four Times the Estimate

The late South African artist Gerard Sekoto has once again proven his lasting impact on the art world, with his masterpiece The Artistโ€™s Brother selling for an astonishing ยฃ406,000 ($528,000) at Bonhamsโ€™ Modern & Contemporary African Art saleโ€”more than four times its original estimate of ยฃ100,000-150,000 ($130,000-195,000).

African Artists Show Strong Results at Auction: William Kentridge Smashes Estimate

A recent auction at Bonhams in London showcased the dynamic and rising value of Modern and Contemporary African Art, concluding with total sales of ยฃ2,439,400 (approximately $2,976,068). The event featured prominent works, including William Kentridge’s Monument I, which soared past expectations, selling for ยฃ483,000 (about $589,260) against its estimate of ยฃ200,000โ€“ยฃ300,000. Kentridge’s evocative charcoal piece, rooted in his Drawings for Projection series, epitomizes his narrative-driven approach that intertwines historical introspection with striking visual artistry. Irma Stern’s Zululand and significant pieces by Ben Enwonwu and Marlene Dumas further emphasized the auction’s success, underscoring the burgeoning global recognition and deepening collector interest in African art’s profound heritage and contemporary vibrancy.

Turkish Female Artist Fahr El-Nissa Zeidโ€™s Painting Sells for โ‚ฌ152,800, Three Times the Estimate

Zeid, one of the first women to attend the Fine Arts Academy in Istanbul, later continued her studies in Paris under Roger Bissiรจre at the Acadรฉmie Ranson. Over her long career, she held numerous solo exhibitions in major cities such as London, Paris, New York, and throughout the Middle East. After the death of her husband, Prince Zeid bin Hussein of Iraqโ€™s Hashemite royal family, she settled in Amman, where she continued to create groundbreaking work.

Rare Basquiat Masterpieces Worth Over $60,000,000 Unveiled by Phillips

The spotlight shines brightly on the monumental 1982 masterpiece, estimated to fetch a staggering $40-60 million. This captivating piece, dubbed ‘Untitled (ELMAR),’ commands attention with its sheer scale and intricate symbolism. Acquired by the Pellizzi Family just two years after its creation, this eight-foot-wide marvel stands as a testament to Basquiat’s transformative journey from street art prodigy to gallery luminary. Rich in iconography and imbued with self-referential imagery, ‘Untitled (ELMAR)’ offers a profound exploration of duality within the artist’s identity, encapsulating the essence of Basquiat at the zenith of his creative prowess.

Amref Honors Artist Kehinde Wiley with The Rees Visionary Award at ArtBall 2024

Celebrated African-American artist Kehinde Wiley is set to be honored with the prestigious Rees Visionary Award at this year’s ArtBall 2024, hosted by Amref Health Africa (Amref), the leading healthcare organization on the African continent. Known for his groundbreaking portraits that reimagine people of color in the classical style of Old Master paintings, Wiley has captured global attention for his iconic works, including the portrait of former U.S. President Barack Obama displayed at the National Portrait Gallery.

Tretchikoff’s Missing “Lost Orchid” Re-emerges at Bonhams African Art Sale In London

It is considered to be one of Vladimir Tretchikoffโ€™s great masterpieces and is one of the best-known and most reproduced of his works. Yet for years his Lost Orchid was itself considered lost. Having not been seen in public since it was acquired from the artist in 1955, the painting has finally re-emerged and will now be offered at Bonhamsโ€™ Modern and Contemporary African Art sale on 27 March at New Bond Street, London. It has an estimate of ยฃ150,000 – 200,000.

High-End Art and Celebrity Collaborations: Exclusive Interview with Renowned Curator Jean-David Malat | Part 2

Jean-David Malat is a distinguished celebrity art curator and owner of JD Malat Gallery. His collaborations with icons like Madonna, Kate Moss, Dolce & Gabbana, and Bono have solidified his prominence within the art world. Jean-Davidโ€™s perspective within the art community stands out due to a unique blend of expertise, evoking admiration and garnering accolades. This quality makes him an engaging interviewee, as his insights possess the power to captivate and enlighten. With a convergence of experiences, a profound understanding of the ever-evolving art industry, and collaborations with luminaries, JD offers a perspective as compelling as it is illuminating. His journey through the tapestry of art, culture, and collaborative endeavors with celebrities presents a riveting narrative that consistently augments the enriching fabric of the artistic landscape.

Art Struggle in Africa – Zimbabwean Artist Shares His Life Story of Perseverance

The story of Dumisani Ndlovu is one of hardship, perseverance, and passion. Born and raised on a substance farm in a rural area in Zimbabwe, Dumisani’s natural talent for art was evident from a young age. Despite the challenges of farm life, he continued to draw and create using materials found in the bush. After attending art classes, he eventually graduated from the Mzilikazi Art and Craft Centre and fell in love with the craft under the guidance of a Canadian artist. Although he struggled financially, he never gave up on his dream and continued to work tirelessly to perfect his craft. Today, Dumisani is a well-respected artist whose work is inspired by nature and tells his own story.

Amref Health Africaโ€™s ArtBall and Auction Honors Artist Julie Mehretu and the Power of Ethiopian Youthย 

On February 25, 2023 at 26 Bridge in Brooklyn, NY, Amref Health Africa will host their annual ArtBall eventย  and adjoining art auction, creating a connection between African culture and philanthropy to celebrate andย  highlight the talent of the African continent. This year Amref Health Africa will honor world-renownedย  Ethiopian artist Julie Mehretu with the Rees Visionary Award.ย 

ArtBall features a Contemporary African, Pan-African, and Black art auction, entertainment, food andย  beverages from award-winning Black-owned vendors, an installation, and an award ceremony, and has grownย  from just over 300 attendees to nearly 800, with an emphasis on the African diaspora. Notable hosts and guestsย  have included Solange, Swizz Beatz, Alicia Keys, Chris Rock, Antwaun Sargent, Kimberly Drew, Hank Willisย  Thomas, Isolde Brielmaier, Shantell Martin, Nina Chanel Abney, Jack Shainman, Young Paris, and many more.ย