Cape Town, with its diverse and sophisticated ecosystem of galleries, museums, institutions and events, has over the last few years established itself as a global art capital. Launched three years ago at the V&A Waterfront, Strauss & Co’s contemporary art sale is an important addition to this vibrant network of opportunity for artists and collectors.

Talented multi-media artist Athi-Patra Ruga once again topped Strauss & Co’s annual contemporary art sale in Cape Town when his wool and thread tapestry measuring three-metres high sold for R796 600. Held in a portside warehouse in the V&A Waterfront, the 102-lot sale grossed R12.3 million with a lot sell-through rate of 71%.

Strauss & Co’s forthcoming online auction of Modern, Post-War and Contemporary Art, Asian Arts, Jewellery and Wine, which runs from 6 to 14 April, offers collectors an opportunity to acquire exciting works in various media while respecting the terms of the public health lockdown. Highlights include a stirring portfolio by Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Greg Marinovich, an imaginative depiction of a dog by Norman Catherine, and important portfolio of prints by Diane Victor, an edition of which is in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, New York.

Strauss & Co’s eagerly awaited Online auction commences on 6 April. In these troubled times when one is housebound, there can be no better way of whiling away the hours than browsing through the amazing array of pieces consigned for this auction.

Robust bidding for the 695 lots in Strauss & Co’s second online auction for 2020 saw this “lockdown” sale total R6 million from 499 lots sold, (inclusive of aftersales), a new company record for online. Speaking via Zoom from his home in Cape Town due to restrictions imposed by a national health lockdown, Strauss & Co chairperson Frank Kilbourn said the sale affirmed a company decision in 2013 to embark on a digital journey.