Aspire Art currently present Selects, an exhibition and Timed-Online auction of contemporary artworks from the notable M&C Saatchi Abel Collection.
On view at Aspire’s gallery in Cape Town and open for online bidding until 16 May, Selects draws attention to the talented artists that caught the agency’s Executive Chairman, Mike Abel’s eye and who have gone on to become important figures on the contemporary art scene. Included are works by Mikhael Subotzsky, Mohau Modisakeng, Cyrus Kabiru, Ian Grose and Ruby Swinney.
LEFT: Cyrus Kabiru, Macho Nne: Nzuri Fufu, 2015
RIGHT: Andrew Putter, Sketch for Flora Capensis, 2014
LEFT: Mikhael Subotzky, Mr Roussow (on couch), Beaufort West, 2006
RIGHT: Mohau Modisakeng, Untitled (Frame XXIII), 2012
LEFT: Ruby Swinney, The Offering, 2016
RIGHT: Ian Grose, Passage II, 2011
Highlights are works by the 2021 Standard Bank Young Artist Award winner Buhlebezwe Siwani and Saatchi Global Art for Change award winner for 2022 Samuel Nnorom among others.
Buhlebezwe Siwani, iGagasi I, 2015
LEFT: The artist Samuel Nnorom
RIGHT: Samuel Nnorom, Think and Do, 2022
Collectors can also look out for works by leading established artists like William Kentridge and Robert Hodgings.
LEFT: William Kentridge, Four Figures (Lulu), 2017
RIGHT: Robert Hodgins, Rome, 2009
The M&C Saatchi Abel Collection has intentionally been in the public eye. Since Abel began collecting works, well over a decade ago, he did so with the idea of not only supporting artists and the contemporary art ecosystem in South Africa but, given his public standing, promoting a culture of buying art. In this way, he was enthusiastic about the acquisitions and the agency has endeavoured to circulate the artworks in the collection to ensure awareness. Selects, the exhibition and online auction sees this practice come full circle.
Collecting art is one of my great passions. I was always keen to share my love of art and encourage other people to support artists. In my dealings with artists, it was clear to me that buying their works at an early stage of their careers would have a huge impact on them. It would give them the confidence to carry on in what is often a difficult profession to follow, says Abel.
LEFT: Collector Mike Abel, Executive Chairman, M&C Saatch Abel, South Africa
RIGHT: Fanie Buys, If This Was An Aesthetic It Would Be Called: “White Dog Poo”, 2019
Browse the collection, register and bid online at www.aspireart.net until Tuesday 16 May.
Lots will close from 6pm.
View the exhibition at 37A Somerset Road, De Waterkant in Cape Town.
Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm
ENQUIRIES
Aspire Art, Cape Town: +27 21 418 0765 | ct@aspireart.net