SA art makes for astute investment

Pauline Lourens

A frisson of excitement gripped the art world when a painting by celebrated South African artist Irma Stern recently sold at a startling R17-million in Johannesburg. The obscure portrait of an Arab fetched the second-highest price ever achieved for a painting sold on auction in South Africa.

This result was likened to some of the major sales taking place in London and New York. A total of R39-million was sold at Strauss & Co Fine Arts' auction.

To the general public, it may come as a surprise that investing in well-known South African artists like Pierneef, Walter Battiss, Gerard Sekoto, Hugo Naudé, Pieter Wenning, Gregoire Boonzaier, Alexis Preller and Maggie Laubser is a good move.

Thrill

Local art lover and collector Adolph van Coller says it's the ultimate thrill for anyone knowledgeable in the art world to discover obscure or forgotten works by good artists. He mentions sculptors like Edoardo Villa and Lionel Smit, works by Walter Meyer, William Kentridge and in the modern mould Marlene Dumas, Frieda Lock, Claire Menck, Angus Taylor and Cobus Haupt. "Locals on the Garden Route like Marinda Combrinck, Ig Terblanche, Ian Tainton, and Emily Fellows are competent artists who produce art that will stand the test of time," he says. "They have an enduring style and charm that makes for a double bonus, namely that you have an artwork that is a pleasure to behold in your home that also keeps appreciating in value."

Tax breaks

Another important consideration the general public is not aware of is that there are significant tax breaks. As former tax consultant, Adolph knows this only too well. However, it takes many years to develop a good eye for investment art.

"You need to invest a lot of time to get to know more about art and the artists and their styles. A good artist is generally represented by a reputable art gallery who gives them the necessary exposure to the niche markets. In the meantime, it is exhilarating to follow up leads that may take you to an undiscovered masterpiece.”

If you want to exchange views / news and discoveries in the art world, contact Adolph by sending an e-mail to 47marketstreet@ gmail.com.

Photo: Pauline Lourens Adolph van Coller believes that South African art is a sound investment. He is seen with, amongst others, a Lionel Smit bronze sculpture and a Walter Meyer oil painting.