This Winter, Aspire Art presents P5’22 which is a painting, paper, photography, patina, print timed online auction taking place from 14 – 26 July. This event focuses on the materiality of art through this thematic collection which brings together a range of historic, modern and contemporary artworks in various media, artistic processes and subject matter to emphasise the creative value that art holds.
To speak of ‘materiality’ in art is to emphasise the essential material qualities of the mediums used and the unique possibilities provided to artists. An artist’s chosen material defines or even dictates the technical and aesthetic possibilities of the work, while revealing a mastery in a particular medium or signifying a daring new direction. Through its materiality, a work of art may align an artist with a particular time period and artistic movement or reveal insights into how materials change in meaning over time and between different regions, people and cultures.
You might also be interested in: African Art
It is the materiality of art that enhances the viewer’s experience of a particular work. With over 200 works in this collection, the auction gives new and established collectors a unique opportunity to access extraordinary artistic concepts in paintings, works on paper, photography, sculpture and prints.
Painting
Painting has remained a fundamental medium of creative artistic expression, from the Renaissance to the present day. The vigour and verve of painting show little signs of slowing down. With the expansion of the digital realm and the subsequent increase of the intangible, the contemporary resurgence of painting is noticeable. P5’22 features the work of a number of much-celebrated painters including Simphiwe Ndzube, Wayne Barker, Ruby Swinney and Ndikhumbule Ngqinambi.
Paper
Works on paper including drawings and watercolour present a unique and intimate insight into the creative process as well as the wider production output of an artist. The medium conveys artistic exploration, experimentation and storytelling. Notable highlights on this sale include two technically superb and sensitive drawings by South African artist Dumile Feni as well as a work by celebrated Ivorian artist, Frédéric Bruly Bouabré consisting of 40 wax crayon and ink drawings on cards.
Patina
Sculpture has stood the test of time. The sculptural ambitions of ancient civilisations are equally matched by contemporary artists, with the modern-day advances in materials allowing artists to exceed the limitations of the past. After paintings, sculpture is the highest generating segment of the art market during auctions and P5’22 includes a focused selection of works by some of South Africa’s most beloved sculptors including Anton van Wouw’s Maquette for Miner with Hand Drill and Interlocking forms (Sylvan) red by modern master Edoardo Villa.
Photography
The advent of photography in the nineteenth century allowed for the opportunity to expand the notion of image making. Today, artists embrace photography in innovative ways and, in so doing, add to one of artworld’s fastest growing collecting mediums. A small selection of local photographers are included on the sale depicting quintessentially South African images such as a brilliant colour photograph of President Nelson Mandela by Fanie Jason and a hauntingly beautiful black and white photograph by Gary Hirson capturing the annual maintenance shutdown of the Table Mountain cables.
The history of printmaking began in Han Dynasty China. Today, traditional printmaking methods, including woodcut, etching, engraving and lithography are used by artists the world over. Allowing artists to create many iterations of the same image, printmaking has throughout history, served as an affordable way to collect art. The most-established section on P5’22, includes nearly 100 works. Collectors will be spoilt for choice with prints by many of South Africa’s most celebrated artists including William Kentridge, Willem Boshoff, Wim Botha, David Koloane and Cecil Skotnes amongst others.
P5’22 opens for bidding Thursday, 14 July and will run until Tuesday 26 July with lots beginning to close at 6 pm.
View the entire collection, register and bid online at https://www.aspireart.net/
Contacts
Cape Town: +27 21 418 0765| ct@aspireart.net
Johannesburg: +27 10 109 7989| enquiries@aspireart.net