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All funds from the Siyakhula Michaelis Auction will be used towards a substantial scholarship for students from historically disadvantaged backgrounds

It is not unusual to find artworks by William Kentridge, Penny Siopis, Athi-Patra Ruga and Jane Alexander leading an auction sale. These contemporary art stars with impressive international profiles generate attention. However, the appearance of significant works produced and donated by these leading figures at the Siyakhula Michaelis Auction on 17 October at the art school, will be a landmark occasion.

Penny Siopis, Spirit Matter, 2017. Glue, ink and oil glaze on canvas, 76.5 x 60.5 cm.Penny Siopis, Spirit Matter, 2017. Glue, ink and oil glaze on canvas, 76.5 x 60.5 cm.

 

This new initiative is driven by Berni Searle, director of the Cape Town art school at the University of Cape Town and a renowned artist. Funds raised by the auction will be used towards substantial scholarships for promising students from historically disadvantaged backgrounds who are in financial need, ensuring greater diversity at the university. In this way established artists will pave the way for the next generation, living up to the title Siyakhula, which in isiXhosa means ‘together we grow’.

Pippa Skotnes, Book of Divine Consolation (From the Book of Iterations series), 2004 – 2018. Fully articulated horse skeleton, gold leaf, sterling silver and vellum on a wood frame and base, 181 x 196 x 57cm.Pippa Skotnes, Book of Divine Consolation (From the Book of Iterations series), 2004 – 2018. Fully articulated horse skeleton, gold leaf, sterling silver and vellum on a wood frame and base, 181 x 196 x 57cm.

 

When you consider some of Michaelis’s leading graduates – Nandipha Mntambo, Lisa Brice and Marlene Dumas – it becomes clear how life-changing this scholarship could be for a young artist.

Artists with proven records at auctions – Sue Williamson, Deborah Bell and Georgina Gratrix – will feature in the Siyakhula Michaelis Auction alongside those who have never tested this territory such as new comers Bronwyn Katz and Siwa Mgoboza. This will set new records for these artists.

Georgina Gratrix, Flowers for Frank Who Is on a Diet, 2017. Oil on canvas, 55 x 40cm.Georgina Gratrix, Flowers for Frank Who Is on a Diet, 2017. Oil on canvas, 55 x 40cm.

 

Highlights of the auction will include an editioned photographic work by Athi-Patra Ruga, Illulwane #1, a 2012 work documenting a performance work he created for Performa, a performance art festival in New York. With his astonishing track record and his first London solo exhibition coming up at 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair in October, it is likely to fetch the R60000 – R90000 estimate. With a focus on ethereal performance works Donna Kukama rarely produces objects. As such a photographic work titled Se Sa Feleng… (3) from 2012 will prove a highly coveted item, particularly given it could be snapped up for approximately R20000 – R30000.

Athi-Patra Ruga, Illuwane #1, 2012. Inkjet print, Ed 3 of 3 + 2AP, 139 x 115cm. Photographer: Hayden PhippsAthi-Patra Ruga, Illuwane #1, 2012. Inkjet print, Ed 3 of 3 + 2AP, 139 x 115cm. Photographer: Hayden Phipps

 

Aspire Art Auctions will be conduct a live auction in the Hiddingh Hall at the Michaelis School of Fine Art on the 17th October 2018. An online auction will take place on the their website prior to that date. Bidder registration will open on 1 October, and at the same time a digital catalogue will be released on https://aspireart.net/.

The auction is supported by various pro-bono contributions from, amongst others, Aspire Art Auction, Orms, Krone wines and Corrigall & Co art advisors. Those who believe in supporting historically disadvantaged artists, diversity at tertiary levels and the value of education are encouraged to participate and bid generously.

Donna Kukama, Se Sa Feleng… (2), 2012. Lightjet C-print on Fuji Crystal archive paper, 80 x 53.5cm.Donna Kukama, Se Sa Feleng… (2), 2012. Lightjet C-print on Fuji Crystal archive paper, 80 x 53.5cm.

 

Gerald Machona, Lotus (India). Decommissioned currency, glass, sand and bronze, 49.5 x 15.5 x 15.5cm.Gerald Machona, Lotus (India). Decommissioned currency, glass, sand and bronze, 49.5 x 15.5 x 15.5cm.

 

Usha Seejarim, Sometimes I get my knickers in a knot, 2015. Pegs and wire, 33 x 66 x 66cm.Usha Seejarim, Sometimes I get my knickers in a knot, 2015. Pegs and wire, 33 x 66 x 66cm.

 

Ed Young, Peanut, 2015. South African mohair traditional teddy bear. Height: 42cm.Ed Young, Peanut, 2015. South African mohair traditional teddy bear. Height: 42cm.

 

Exhibition of selected lots: 12-17 October, 10:30-16:00

Exhibition opening: 11 October, 18:00

Online Auction: 11 – 18 October 2018, https://aspireart.net/

Live Auction: 17 October, 18:00, Hiddingh Hall and Michaelis Galleries

Location: Michaelis School of Fine Art, UCT
Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town

Contact: Lisa on lisa@aspireart.net / + 27 21 418 0765
Or Nadja on nadja@siyakhulamichaelis.com

Website: https://siyakhulamichaelis.com

About Michaelis: The Michaelis School of Fine Art is a leading art school on the African continent. It counts as some of its noted graduates. Honorary Doctorates have been awarded by Michaelis to artists such as David Goldblatt, El Anatsui and William Kentridge. Artworks by some of these high-profile artists will be on the auction.

Artists are available for interview – please contact Nadja on nadja@siyakhulamichaelis.com / 0823165272 to arrange

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