Artists

From Albert Adams to Portia Zvavahera, Strauss & Co maintains a detailed database of every artist sold at auction since 2009. Whether it is painting, sculpture, works on paper, photography, ceramics or new media, this searchable database lists by artist every lot offered and provides aggregated data useful to collectors. Famous South African artists like William Kentridge, JH Pierneef, Alexis Preller and Irma Stern are introduced with helpful biographies along with the best contemporary artists.



Value your Art?Do you know the value of your Art?

Mmakgabo Mmapula Helen Sebidi

South African 1943- 


Mmakgabo Mmapula Helen Sebidi, born on March 5, 1943, in Marapyane near Hammanskraal, South Africa, is one of the country's most celebrated visual artists. Her art powerfully reflects the social and political turbulence of life during and after apartheid, often portraying traditional African life, spiritual symbolism, and the lived experiences of Black South Africans, particularly women.

Coming from humble beginnings, Sebidi worked as a domestic worker in Johannesburg, where her talent was discovered. Encouraged to pursue her art, she studied painting at the White Studio in Sophiatown (1970-1973), founded by renowned artist John Keonakeefe Mohl. Her work quickly gained recognition, leading to her first solo exhibition at the Federated Union of Black Artists (FUBA) in 1985.

Sebidi's distinctive figurative and surrealist style earned her numerous accolades, including the 1989 Standard Bank Young Artist Award-the first for a Black woman-and South Africa's Order of Ikhamanga in Silver in 2004. Her paintings, like Tears of Africa, resonate with themes of dislocation, memory, and resilience.

Today, Sebidi's art is held in prestigious collections worldwide, and her legacy as a pioneering voice in South African modernism continues to inspire generations.


65 lots offered      67.69% sold      ZAR 2 223 399
 

  Including Premium and VAT Results include Buyer's Premium and VAT
Mmakgabo Mmapula Helen Sebidi;
10 Feb 2025
Sold for ZAR 21 105
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
Mmakgabo Mmapula Helen Sebidi; The Aloes, near Hebron, TVL
10 Feb 2025
Sold for ZAR 21 105
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
Mmakgabo Mmapula Helen Sebidi; Two Girls Stamping the Meal Skilpadfontein, TVL
8 Jul 2024
Sold for ZAR 29 625
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
Mmakgabo Mmapula Helen Sebidi; Inside the Hut, Near Hammanskraal, N. Tvl.
28 May 2024
Sold for ZAR 70 350
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
Mmakgabo Mmapula Helen Sebidi; Lebelo Le A Jelwa (The Race is Eaten)
12 Feb 2024
Sold for ZAR 7 035
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
Mmakgabo Mmapula Helen Sebidi; Picnic
15 May 2023
Sold for ZAR 587
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
Mmakgabo Mmapula Helen Sebidi; After Lobola (Married)
11 Apr 2023
Sold for ZAR 14 070
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
Mmakgabo Mmapula Helen Sebidi; Giving the Light to the Darkness
11 Apr 2023
Sold for ZAR 12 898
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
Mmakgabo Mmapula Helen Sebidi; The Grandmother Bears The Mother's Children
7 Nov 2022
Sold for ZAR 204 840
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
Mmakgabo Mmapula Helen Sebidi; The Herdboy to the Field (Near Skilpadfontein N.TVL)
3 Nov 2022
ZAR 30 000 - 50 000
 
Mmakgabo Mmapula Helen Sebidi; Stamping Corn
3 Oct 2022
Sold for ZAR 21 105
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
Mmakgabo Mmapula Helen Sebidi; Enjoying African Beer
25 Jul 2022
ZAR 20 000 - 30 000
 

VAT is charged on both hammer and premium for daggered lots.

Results in green indicate post sales.