Bird Talk

Comprising of 30 lots, this selection showcases Norman Catherine’s mastery across painting, sculpture, and printmaking. From early surrealist-inspired drawings to his most iconic satirical works, the survey captures the gasp and a giggle that define Catherine’s response to the complexities of the socio-political landscape. The sale features several of Catherine’s signature hand-carved and painted wood sculptures. Key examples include Smokehead (Estimate R200,000–300,000) and Hammerhead (Estimate R30,000–50,000), which use symbolic, often distorted 'heads' to explore themes of identity and human unease. A survey of Catherine’s career would be incomplete without acknowledging his collaboration with Walter Battiss on the Fook Island project. Featured lots such as Luminous Fook Mook reflect the playful, conceptual spirit of this imaginary world, which remains a cornerstone of South African conceptual art. The session includes a wide array of multiples and original works on paper, such as Apocalypse (Estimate R7,000–9,000). These works demonstrate Catherine’s ability to balance a carnival-like palette of primary colours with more profound, often unsettling thematic undertones. Norman Catherine’s works are held in major international institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Brooklyn Museum in New York. His unique style famously caught the eye of David Bowie, who praised the "scintillating youthfulness" of his vision. This survey provides an accessible entry point for new collectors while offering seasoned enthusiasts a chance to acquire significant pieces that represent the full breadth of his imaginative and satirical world.