Strauss & Co's May auction showcases iconic South African modernist artworks
Johannesburg's art scene is gearing up for a major event this May as Strauss & Co, Africa's leading auction house, prepares to present a stunning collection of South African masterpieces in its flagship live sale on May 27. Locals will have the rare chance to see important works by homegrown legends, all set to go under the hammer in what promises to be a landmark auction for the city.
Read more: Art exhibition To See Them Home is currently exhibiting at The Blue House
At a special media briefing and walkabout on May 14, Strauss & Co revealed the exceptional quality and historical significance of the pieces up for sale, highlighting how the event fits within the broader international modern art calendar.
Among the highlights are paintings by three of South Africa's most celebrated 20th-century artists, Gerard Sekoto, Irma Stern, and Vladimir Tretchikoff. These masters continue to command critical acclaim and attract growing international interest, underscoring Johannesburg's vital role in the global art market.
One local favourite, which will catch the eye, is Jakob Hendrik Oerder's evocative Lake View, Braamfontein Farm (Zoo Lake), painted in 1898. This tranquil landscape captures a scene near the heart of Johannesburg, before it was transformed into Hermann Eckstein Park, a space that remains cherished by residents today.
Also read: South African female artists contribution celebrated
Strauss & Co will also showcase works by George Pemba, a contemporary of Sekoto, who is fast gaining prominence, as well as important pieces by Dumile Feni, and the internationally renowned William Kentridge, whose sculptures and drawings continue to draw crowds worldwide.
The auction items will be on display at the RMB Latitudes Art Fair in Shepstone Gardens from May 23 to 25, giving locals and collectors alike a chance to view these treasures before the live sale at Strauss & Co's Houghton salesroom.
With Johannesburg firmly established as a cultural hub, this auction marks a proud moment for the city – a celebration of South Africa's artistic heritage and a beacon for collectors and art lovers.
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Related article: Calling all artists with expressions unbound
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