South African Surrealism is enjoying a resurgence
South African Surrealism comes into focus once again as global museums reappraise the legacy of this artistic movement. Surrealism flourished in the mid-20th century, during an era of great change in the world. Artists were expanding the idea of creative potential of the unconscious mind. You have to wonder whether the recent popularity of podcast celebrities like Joe Rogan and Sam Harris have anything to do with the resurgence?
How is surrealism resurgence impacting the SA art scene
In an exciting announcement, Strauss&Co, one of South Africa’s preeminent auction houses will be launching a virtual live sale in Johannesburg from 15 through 17 May 2022. The live sale will include an evening session entirely devoted to Surrealism and its influence on South African art and artists. The global phenomenon impacted the work produced by South African artists as disparate as Alexis Preller and William Kentridge, Judith Mason and Tracey Rose.
What can you expect at the virtual event
Due to be held on Monday, 16 May, the evening session will include a diverse roster of South African artists grouped into themes related to Surrealism. This category celebrates dreams, magic and the unconscious. The line up of multi-generational artists in this session will include, among others:
The session includes high-value works by Alexis Preller and William Kentridge, which will be available to preview at Strauss & Co’s gallery in Houghton from the last week of April.
A little history behind South African Surrealism
While there was not any specific surrealist-driven movement in South Africa, notes Alastair Meredith, South African artists freely absorbed a surrealist aesthetic. The sources were literary as well as artistic, and included local exhibitions. The Johannesburg Art Gallery owns White Aphrodisiac Telephone (1936), a Surrealist object created by Salvador Dalí for the English poet Edward James, a leading collector of surrealist art.
Strauss&Co’s focus on Surrealism forms part of a diverse presentation of lots assembled by its art and wine departments. The virtual live sale commences on Sunday, 15 May 2022 with a standalone wine session.
