The late South African artist Gerard Sekoto has once again proven his lasting impact on the art world, with his masterpiece The Artistโs Brother selling for an astonishing ยฃ406,000 ($528,000) at Bonhamsโ Modern & Contemporary African Art saleโmore than four times its original estimate of ยฃ100,000-150,000 ($130,000-195,000).
Mateo Blancoโs latest masterpiece ‘Born of Two Lands Flag’ is more than just a work of artโitโs a bold statement on identity, heritage, and resilience. Crafted from natural dyes and Colombian textiles, the flag carries a striking scar at its center, mirroring the artistโs own journey of survival and self-discovery. As it prepares to debut at the Museum of Art โ DeLand, this extraordinary piece invites viewers to reflect on what it truly means to belong.
Wallace Wyss is a man of many talentsโwriter, historian, and artistโwhose passion for automobiles, particularly the legendary AC Cobra, has defined his career. From his early days as a journalist to his transformation into a fine artist, Wyss has spent decades documenting the machines and personalities that shaped automotive history. In this interview, he reflects on his journey, his encounters with racing icon Carroll Shelby, and his enduring fascination with the artistry of high-performance cars.
Amid continued strong demand for Surrealist art, Bonhams achieved ‘white glove’ resultsโ100% of lots soldโfor Surrealist Treasures | The Urban S. Hirsch III Collection. The highly anticipated auction, which concluded on January 17 in Los Angeles, garnered an astonishing $778,000 in total sales, with numerous lots exceeding pre-sale estimates and setting new records.
What appeared to be an ordinary hallway decoration in a central London home turned out to be an extraordinary treasureโan incredibly rare Chinese Famille rose ‘dragon’ vase. Recently rediscovered by Bonhams experts, the vase shocked the art world when it sold for โฌ1,161,600 at auction in Paris, soaring past its estimate. With a fascinating history linked to an early 20th-century collector and a surprising connection to an identical twin vase sold in Hong Kong, this remarkable story is a testament to the enduring allure of hidden Asian masterpieces.
Two captivating portraits by the renowned 18th-century artist Johann Zoffany shattered expectations at a recent London auction, selling for over $1.2 millionโmore than three times their estimated value. Depicting a flower girl and a watercress girl in stunning detail, these companion pieces had remained hidden in a private family collection for over a century. With a rich history tied to Zoffanyโs rise as a court favorite and celebrated portraitist, these works dazzled bidders and art enthusiasts alike. Discover the story behind their remarkable journey and the artist who brought them to life.
The Filthy Fox Auction Club (FFAC) returned with its third edition at The Old Church in Stoke Newington, delivering an electrifying celebration of art and innovation. Featuring 33 works from 13 emerging artists trained at top institutions like Slade, Camberwell, and City & Guilds, the event achieved a remarkable 90% sales rate and drew a packed house of 200 attendees. By blending a live-streamed auction with in-person energy, FFAC connected creators with collectors in a groundbreaking format that champions accessibility, fair pricing, and community in the art world.
The surrealist art market is currently experiencing a notable period of growth, evidenced by strong auction results and heightened collector interest. Recent sales in New York, Paris, and London reflect a robust appetite for works from this historically significant movement. Renรฉ Magritteโs Lโempire des Lumiรจres (1954) led the market in 2024, achieving $121.16 million at Christieโs New Yorkโthe highest price ever paid for a surrealist artwork. This sale underscores a broader trend of sustained demand for surrealist pieces, both from marquee names and historically underrepresented artists.
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 ยฃ200,000โยฃ300,000. 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.
Art Vancouver, Western Canadaโs premier contemporary art fair, is returning for its 9th edition from April 24 – 27, 2025, at the iconic Canada Place sails (Vancouver Convention Centre East – Hall B). After a successful 8th edition, the 2025 event promises to bring together art lovers, collectors, curators, and creators from around the world to celebrate contemporary art.
