Various Authors
Namibian Artists, six
Session 1
About the SessionEsme Berman was a pioneering South African art historian, writer and gallerist. At a time when South African art lacked formal documentation she was one of the first writers to systematically document South African art history in her book Art & Artists of South Africa. By travelling the country to visit artists and collect first-hand interviews on their work and practice, Berman created this foundational reference book.
The first edition was published in 1970, and it quickly became the go-to reference for students, collectors, curators and institutions. Later in 1993, she released a second edition which was expanded, including more artists and information. There are 7 copies of these books available on the auction.
At times reference books can be overlooked, but they are instrumental in shaping how we come to understand art and artists over time. And for collectors, they give context for the artist, and deepen the connection and understanding when it comes to buying.
About this Item
(2) Olga Levinson (1971) The Historical Development of Art in South West Africa and its Significance, pamphlet entitled Sonderdruck aus Impluse eines Landes extremer Bedingungen für die Wissenschaft, soft cover, cover page in German, inner pages in English
(3) Headquarters of the S A Association of Arts, Cape Town (1969) Register of South African and South-West African Artists, Elsiesrivier: Nasionale Handelsdrukkery, hard cover, text in English and Afrikaans
(4) Lieschen Heinze and Uschi Oldorf (1983) Painters SWA / Namibia Kunstmaler, Roodepoort: Cum Books, hard cover with dust jacket, illustrated in black and white and colour, text in English and German
(5) Nico Roos (1978) Kuns in Suidwes-Afrika, Pretoria: J P van der Walt, hard cover in linen with dust jacket, illustrated in black and white and colour, text in English, Afrikaans and German
(6) Olga Levinson (1973) Adolph Jentsch, Cape Town: Human & Rousseau, hard cover with dust jacket, illustrated in black and white, text in English, Afrikaans and German
Notes
(1) Signed and dated 1966 by Esmé Berman.
(2) Inscribed with a personal note to Esmé Berman by the author.
(3) Signed and dated 1969 by Esmé Berman.
(4) Signed and dated 1983 by Esmé Berman.
(6) Personal note to Esmé Berman and her husband from the author, 1973.
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