South African Art Market Gains Global Traction
International interest in South African contemporary art is on the rise, driven by its distinctive character, enhanced infrastructure, and growing affluence. Touria El Glaoui, who established the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, links this development to both artistic innovation and political dedication. According to the Africa Art Market Report (2017), South Africa boasts 10 of the top 20 modern artists and 7 of the top 20 contemporary artists, including notable figures like Irma Stern, Maggie Laubser, and Marlene Dumas. Emerging talents such as Tracey Rose, Zanele Muholi, and Nicholas Hlobo contribute to a vibrant art scene, supported by venues like Goodman Gallery and institutions like Zeitz MOCAA. The Cape Town Art Fair, initiated in 2013, emphasizes art rather than geography.
Key facts
- South African contemporary art is gaining international collector interest.
- Touria El Glaoui attributes success to creativity, poetry, and political commitment.
- In 2017, 10 of top 20 modern artists and 7 of top 20 contemporary artists were South African.
- Gerard Sekoto's 1940 acquisition by Johannesburg Art Gallery was first museum entry by a Black artist.
- Zanele Muholi had a major retrospective at Tate Modern until October 2020.
- Zeitz MOCAA and Norval Foundation (2018) are key new institutions.
- Global auction houses Bonhams, Christie's, Sotheby's, Phillips now active in South Africa.
- Cape Town Art Fair aims to focus on art, not geographic origin.
Entities
Artists
- Irma Stern
- Maggie Laubser
- Gerard Sekoto
- Marlene Dumas
- William Kentridge
- Tracey Rose
- Zanele Muholi
- Nicholas Hlobo
- Simphiwe Ndzube
- Moshekwa Langa
- Mohau Modisakeng
- Phumzile Khanyile
- Malebona Maphutse
- Simnikiwe Buhlungu
- Touria El Glaoui
- Laura Vincenti
- Louis Norval
- Cristina Masturzo
Institutions
- 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair
- Johannesburg Art Gallery
- Stevenson Gallery
- Tate Modern
- Venice Biennale
- Lyon Biennale
- Rijksakademie
- Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa
- A4 Arts Foundation
- Norval Foundation
- Goodman Gallery
- Scheryn Art Collection Fund
- Black Collectors Forum
- Aspire Art Auction
- Stephan Welz
- Strauss
- Russell Kaplan
- Bonhams
- Christie's
- Sotheby's
- Phillips
- Cape Town Art Fair
- Fiera Milano
- Artribune
Locations
- South Africa
- Cape Town
- Johannesburg
- London
- Los Angeles
- Venice
- Lyon