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Born in 1938, South African artist David Koloane spent much of his life under apartheid: an experience which pervades his work. Spanning drawing, painting and collage, his practice addresses questions surrounding human rights and political injustice, filtered through fractured representations of his urban surroundings. Depicting Mahlathini Street in Johannesburg, the present work demonstrates his combined use of abstract and figurative techniques in order to conjure the frantic complexities of the city. Until his death in 2019, Koloane played a transformative role in South Africa’s wider art scene: he was one of the founding members of Johannesburg’s first black gallery in 1977, and went on to make important contributions as a curator, writer and teacher, championing young artists during a time of segregation and discrimination. Widely celebrated for his achievements as an artist, activist and cultural pioneer, Koloane is represented in collections including the Contemporary African Art Collection, the South African National Gallery and the Botswana National Museum.
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The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
Not examined out of the frame. The work appears to be hinged in places on the reverse to its underlying support. The horizontal edges are deckled. There are artist’s pinholes with associated small tears to the upper corners. Subject to the foregoing, it is our view that the work appears to be in generally very good condition.
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Lot 27Sale 19564
Mahlathini Street II David Koloane (1938-2019)Estimate: GBP 1,500 - 2,500
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