African artists showcased

LONDON: AUCTION SPEARHEADED BY ZIM’S HWAMI

Aged only 27, she has received more acclaim than many artists achieve in a lifetime.

Proving that Africa is still the hot continent, Bonhams’ next modern and contemporary African art sale in London on 17 March will showcase a host of exciting young talent alongside established big names.

One of the highlights is Adam and Steve joined by the knee, a study, produced by 27-year-old Zimbabwean artist Kudzanai-Violet Hwami. The work has an estimate of £30 000 (about R625 000) to £50 000.

Born in 1993, Hwami has already received more acclaim in her short career than many artists achieve in a lifetime – and her star is still on the rise.

Selected to represent Zimbabwe at the Venice Biennale in 2019, Hwami has also enjoyed successful solo exhibitions at the Tyburn Gallery and Gasworks in London, and is represented up by the Victoria Miro gallery.

This year, she will showcase her works at a group exhibition at the Pompidou Centre in Paris.

Helene Love-Allotey, specialist in modern and contemporary African art at Bonhams, commented: “Hwami is one of the most exciting young artists around right now.

“Her work asks the viewer to consider weighty topics – such as identity, sexuality and desire – but her handling is witty and fresh, as is evidenced by the title of the work, Adam and Steve joined by the knee, a study.

“When asked what precipitated her interest in art, Hwami has often credited her love of cartoons, and in particular, manga.

“As a child, she would sketch her favourite characters and the influence of these animations is evident in the dynamism of her compositions.

“Although monumental in size, the work retains a delicate intimacy.”

Hwami’s work starts with a collage of images and photographs, around which she constructs a painted narrative.

“She says this approach was partly influenced by the creative sharing of images on social media sites such as Tumblr.

“I spent a lot of time on the internet as a pre-teen and in that socially awkward stage of my life, I found it more comfortable to escape and exist in cyberspace.

“I started exploring sexuality and gender identity. I was obsessed with the idea of physically living in a different body.

“All my frustration and confusion was expressed through studying the queer body.”

Portia Zvavahera (Zimbabwean, born 1985) will be represented by Complete, 2014 (estimate: £60 000 to £90 000).

She has noted the fluidity and flatness afforded by using oil-based inks, allowing her to build richly layered surfaces.

She draws upon her deeply held sense of spirituality and accompanying rituals of belief to embody the predominantly female figures.

Bonhams’ sale will be held in London on 17 March. Go to https://www.bonhams. com/auctions/26571/ for the catalogue. – Citizen reporter