A bold new direction

STRAUSS & CO SUMMER SALE FOCUSES ON KZN Overlooked regional artists’ work joins the 2017 summer sale.

To shake up the 2017 Strauss & Co Johannesburg sale, the fine art auctioneers are doing a few things differently. The most apparent changes are the inclusion of thematically selected works, with the most obvious containing 59 lots from historical and contemporary artists from KwaZulu-Natal.

Head of Strauss & Co’s Johannesburg art department Alastair Meredith says what makes the theme great is that you are able to see what different artists were doing at the same time or in the same area.

The focus on KwaZulu-Natal is especially enthralling since many of the lots feature strong British modernism influences.

“It can actually be traced to modernists who came to South Africa before or after world wars. Many of these artists landed in teaching roles at schools or universities, which led to the same modernists’ influences passed down to students.

“But there’s also regional Zulu influence with motifs, vernacular patterns and colours not confined by western tradition,” says Meredith.

The way the same artistic influences were passed down becomes excitingly apparent with gifted artist-families from the area.

“The generations of Everard women needs Previews are from November 10 to 12 The auction takes place on November 13 at The Wanderers Club

Lots 1 to 170 are under the hammer from 2pm

The action for lots 171 to 300 are from 5pm

Lots 301 to 391 are on auction from 8pm