South African Auction House Makes Mark in London Art Market
Strauss & Co, a South African auction house, recently held a pop-up selling exhibition in London featuring the works of mid-20th-century artist Alexis Preller. The exhibition, titled “Alexis Preller: Surreal Discovery,” coincided with the artist’s retrospective at the Norval Foundation in Cape Town, as well as Christie’s Art of the Surreal sale in London, marking the centennial year of Surrealism. This exhibition showcased 20 works by Preller, with prices ranging from £38,000 to £165,000.
Born and raised in Pretoria, Preller studied art in London and Paris, drawing inspiration from various cultures and art movements. While Preller did not identify himself as a Surrealist, his works often featured surreal elements such as floating heads and eerie shadows. The exhibition at Cromwell Place was the first time Preller’s works were on display in London, highlighting his unique artistic vision.
Strauss & Co plans to host more selling exhibitions in London in the future, catering to the growing market for African art. Despite economic challenges, the African art market has shown resilience, with a steady increase in sales. The exhibition of Preller’s works in London is just the beginning of the auction house’s efforts to showcase artists from Africa on a global stage.
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Cillian O’Rourke, studied at the National College of Art and Design in Dublin, Ireland, where he majored in Visual Communication. His work spans graphic design, illustration, and branding, with a distinct minimalist style that emphasizes simplicity and impact. Cillian has collaborated with international brands and runs his own design studio focusing on creative solutions for startups.