Ian Hunter

Ian Hunter (b. 1969, East London) is an Art Specialist whose art practice ignited his passion and appreciation for the artists and artworks with which he comes into contact.  He brings his wide knowledge of history and art to his position as Senior Art Specialist at Strauss & Co.

Ian studied Fine Art at the Durban Institute of Technology, majoring in printmaking and concluded his studies with a Higher Diploma (with distinction) at the Walter Sisulu University in 1993.

He commenced his career in the art world with two years as Assistant Curator at the Ann Bryant National Gallery in East London.  His career as an art specialist began in 2001, when he joined Stephan Welz & Co. Working alongside Stephan and Ann Palmer, he built his reputation as a knowledgeable South African art specialist through nine years’ experience, becoming Senior Painting Specialist.  He played a significant role in the Kahn Sale in 2007, which set a new benchmark for South African art in terms of research, catalogue articles and values achieved. 

Ian has also acted as an independent art advisor and consultant, assisting private and corporate clients to build their collections by buying and selling wisely. He has assisted in valuations of some of the largest private and corporate art collections in South Africa.

Ian joined the Strauss & Co Cape Town office in 2017. He has driven the Eastern Cape and International Art sales, which have become annual sale events. Now based in Knysna, Ian is the Regional Representative for the Garden Route and Eastern Cape from Mossel Bay to East London. 

Ian is a practising painter whose work explores the natural world, and a graphic artist, specialising in vibrant expressionistic screenprints.