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

'Zululand' by Irma Stern © Bonhams — © Bonhams

A recent Modern and Contemporary African Art sale at Bonhams auction house in London proved to be a resounding success, with significant works by renowned African artists fetching impressive figures. The auction, held on October 16, 2024, featured 76 lots and culminated in a total of £2,439,400 (approximately $2,976,068), underscoring the continued global appreciation for African art.

Among the standout achievements was Monument I by the acclaimed South African artist William Kentridge. The powerful charcoal drawing sold for £483,000 (about $589,260), far surpassing its pre-sale estimate of £200,000–£300,000 ($244,000–$366,000). This piece is part of Kentridge’s second Drawings for Projection film, Monument (1990), a series that reflects the artist’s distinctive use of drawing and animation to explore themes of memory, power, and societal change.

'Monument I' by William Kentridge © Bonhams — ‘Monument I’ by William Kentridge © Bonhams

Kentridge’s mastery of charcoal, with its expressive, fluid lines and deep contrasts, allows him to tackle complex historical and political narratives with a profound visual impact. His success at the auction is a testament to his position as a leading figure in contemporary art and his unique ability to weave storytelling with artistic craft.

Irma Stern, another giant of African modernism, also made waves at the auction. Her painting Zululand achieved £508,400 (approximately $620,248), remaining within its estimated range of £400,000–£600,000 ($488,000–$732,000). Stern (1894–1966), who spent much of her career capturing the vivid landscapes and cultural richness of Africa, is celebrated for her powerful use of color and energetic brushwork. She was deeply influenced by her travels throughout the continent, and her works reflect a commitment to portraying African subjects with dignity and complexity, challenging the Eurocentric views of her era.

The auction also featured remarkable sales from the oeuvre of Ben Enwonwu, the Nigerian artist whose work continues to command strong interest worldwide. Enwonwu’s painting FESTAC’77, referencing the historic Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture held in Lagos, fetched £444,900 (about $542,778), well within its estimate of £300,000–£500,000 ($366,000–$610,000). The painting is emblematic of Enwonwu’s role as a cultural ambassador and pioneer of African modernism, blending traditional Nigerian aesthetics with European modernist techniques.

Additionally, his piece Ogolo, a striking representation of masquerade dancers, achieved £245,000 (around $298,900), surpassing its top estimate of £150,000 ($183,000), and Dancers from February 1940 reached £25,000 (approximately $30,500), against its expected £20,000–£30,000 ($24,400–$36,600), demonstrating the sustained interest in his early works.

FESTAC '77 by Benedict Chukwukadibia Enwonwu M.B.E © Bonhams — FESTAC ’77 by Benedict Chukwukadibia Enwonwu M.B.E © Bonhams

Marlene Dumas, a South African artist known for her emotionally charged portraits, also secured a notable sale. Her piece Billy Holiday, 1993, an ink on paper series depicting six portraits of the iconic American jazz singer Billie Holiday, was sold for £152,000 (about $185,440), outstripping its estimated range of £80,000–£120,000 ($97,600–$146,400).

Dumas’ work, characterized by its exploration of themes such as identity, vulnerability, and human emotion, showcases her adept skill at merging the personal with the universal. Her fluid ink strokes and poignant depictions have cemented her as one of the most significant contemporary painters, blending intimacy with social commentary.

'Billy Holiday' by Marlene Dumas © Bonhams — ‘Billy Holiday’ by Marlene Dumas © Bonhams

Helene Love-Allotey, Head of Modern and Contemporary African Art at Bonhams, expressed her satisfaction with the event’s results. “We are delighted that our major lots performed so well, in particular the spectacular charcoal drawing by William Kentridge that attracted so much attention at our preview and which surpassed its high estimate,” she said. “The strongest sections of the auction were works by South African and Nigerian artists which shows the commitment by the ever-broadening collector base.”

This sale not only highlights the growing global appreciation for African art but also reinforces the position of artists like Kentridge, Stern, Enwonwu, and Dumas in the canon of art history. It illustrates that collectors are increasingly recognizing the profound depth and diversity of artistic expression across the African continent, from its traditional roots to its bold contemporary innovations.

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