South African contemporary artists Turiya Magadlela and Ayanda Mabulu break world records at auction in Paris

By Edward Tsumele

South African contemporary artists whose works were part of the Art in Paris recent auction, which took place in Paris focusing on Modern and African Art auction, performed well, including breaking two world sales records for painters Turiya  Magadlela and Ayanda Mabulu. In a statement released on Friday, June, 18, 2021, by Aspire Auctions, who with their French partner Artcurial, organized the event, the auction house was pleased with the sales performance of  South African art there. The company sees the hosting of the auction as forming part of a longer term strategy of adding value and status of Modern and Contemporary art from Africa.

The auction was an exhibition of an impressive collection of 232 artworks by 142 artists from 26 countries on the continent and in the diaspora that went under the hammer in Paris on Tuesday.

Mabulu’s (South Africa 1981-), Nontsundu, 2018  was sold for  €23 035 and Magadlela’s (South Africa 1978-), Walking Spirits IV, V and VI, triptych (from the Inequalities series), 2018/2019 | sold for  €20 325, breaking the highest international sales record for each artist to date since the beginning of their professional career.

This impressive performance by South African art at this auction follows the resurgence of global interest in African contemporary art by overseas collectors.