Aspire Art Auctions is proud to announce Art, Life and Love: The Collection of Nwabisa Xayiya, a single owner auction of modern and contemporary art showcasing the discerning taste and personal style of Nwabisa Xayiya.
The live auction of 100 exclusive highlights from the collection takes place in Johannesburg on Sunday, 31 October. The remainder of the collection is included in an online-only auction which is currently open for bidding until Monday 1 November. The auction can now be viewed online on Aspire’s website. The fully illustrated catalogue is also available for download.
Nicholas Hlobo, Intlambo yochulumanco. Estimate: ZAR 500 000 – 800 000
This exquisite collection of South African, African, and international art celebrates the art, life and love of Nwabisa Xayiya who tragically passed away in May 2021 after a brave fight against cancer. Together with her husband, they built a life that was shaped by the artistic energy of a country in which they were cherished patrons and influential art collectors.
Nwabisa was, over the past decade, a leading figure amongst Johannesburg’s most noteworthy art collectors, art industry influencers and socialites. She was an inspirational voice within a new generation of art collectors looking to transform and grow the contemporary art market by enlarging the space and growing the positive influence that collectors have in our society. Despite her public profile and visible support for the arts, the treasures and depth of Nwabisa Xayiya’s own private collection have remained, until now, largely unknown. The sale represents, for many, the first opportunity to appreciate the exceptional calibre and scope of the collection of a woman who, whether for art, design, or fashion, had ‘a keen eye and a sense of style.’
Comprising about 300 treasured examples of modern and contemporary art, the auction is underscored by a story of commitment and passion for art, and the companionship in collecting between Nwabisa and her husband Mikki Xayiya.
The auction offers the best of class examples by great modernists as well as exciting contemporary pieces. Notable is a group of works by painter George Pemba, whose brilliant palette held a special place in Nwabisa’s heart. There are also impressive urban scenes and portraits by Gerard Sekoto and a rarely seen Alexis Preller, a glorious Robert Hodgins, and varied examples of Dumile Feni’s early work along with others from his later New York period.
Sculptural pieces by Deborah Bell alongside works by pioneering modernist sculptors including Edoardo Villa, Ezrom Legae and Sydney Kumalo, amongst others, are also included.
George Pemba, Township Games. Estimate: ZAR 300 000 – 400 000
Gerard Sekoto, Township Street Scene. Estimate: ZAR 500 000 – 800 000
LEFT: Dumile Feni, Horse Rider. Estimate: ZAR 300 000 – 500 000 RIGHT: Dumile Feni, The Duo. Estimate: ZAR 100 000 – 200 000
Within the contemporary offering, there are outstanding works by Blessing Ngobeni, Sam Nhlengethwa, William Kentridge, Teresa Firmino, Athi-Patra Ruga, Kudzanai Chiurai, Cyrus Kabiru, Nelson Makamo, Owusu-Ankomah and Nicholas Hlobo, amongst others.
William Kentridge, Landscape with crouching figure. Estimate: ZAR 1 000 000 – 1 500 000
Owusu-Ankomah, Microcron-Kundum No 5. Estimate: ZAR 180 000 – 240 000
Kudzanai Chiurai, Revelations X. Estimate: ZAR 160 000 – 200 000
The live auction will be taking place on the 31st of October 2021 at 11am. The timed online auction will be taking place from the 20th of October until the 1st of November 2021. For more information, visit Aspire Art Auctions.
