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.
