Aspire Art Auctions unveils rare early Gerard Sekoto painting for auction in Paris
By CityLife Arts Writer
Rare, early paintings such as In the beer hall by celebrated South African artist, Gerard Sekoto, are seldom seen at auction. Produced before Sekoto’s departure for Paris in 1947, they are highly sought after by savvy collectors, who recognize the value in these early works.
“We are excited to present this significant painting in Paris as part of the Modern and Contemporary African Art auction, which we have co-curated with Piasa for 24 June. First exhibited at Gainsborough Gallery in Johannesburg circa 1939/40, the painting is a fine example of his new found oil technique at the time and one of the earliest images of black people painted sympathetically by a black artist. Sekoto left South Africa for Paris in 1947 to live in self-imposed exile in France for forty-six years. Though the artist never returned, he is remembered and revered as ‘the father’ of black modernism in South Africa. Largely overlooked during his lifetime, Sekoto is now recognised for his extraordinary portrayals of the lives lived by black South Africans,” says Apire Art Auctions in a statement about this rate Sekoto art work to go on auction.
In the beer hall is currently on display at the auction house’s office in Johannesburg for private viewing by appointment before it leaves for Paris by the end of May.. To arrange a viewing, please contact Ruarc Peffers on 084 444 8004 or ruarc@aspireart.net