On the occasion of its fall sale dedicated to African scenes and diasporas, PIASA is pleased to present an exceptional group of works covering nearly 120 years of African creation.
This series of unpublished postcards by Abdoulaye Samb and his followers, dated from the beginning of the 20th century (ca. 1900 to 1929), is a great gateway into the rich world of the African art scene. It is an event in and of itself, with the earliest examples of modern works from sub-Saharan Africa ever presented on the market.
Abdoulaye Samb (Active ca. 1900-1930, Senegal)
Ten postcards and three period photographs, early 20th century
Estimate: 3000 / 5000 € per lot
This is a good introduction to show PIASA’s continued interest toward the masters of this continent. The «Masters» section will also feature a unique private collection assembled over a period of more than 30 years by an Italian amateur expatriated in Nigeria. This never-before-seen collection will be an opportunity to look at the works of masters from Ghana, Nigeria, and Uganda, led by Ghanaian artist El Anatsui who recently won a Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale for his entire career.
El Anatsui (b. 1944, Ghana)
Untitled, 1991
Estimate: 60,000 / 80,000 €
Also echoing the Venice Biennale, the sale will feature a set of prints by young photographer Edson Chagas, from his Angolan pavilion at the 2013 Biennale. This pavilion was awarded the Golden Lion for best national pavilion at the time, the first such distinction for an African country. The 16 signed prints by Edson Chagas are presented as part of a section dedicated to the Portuguese-speaking scenes in Africa.
Edson Chagas (b. 1977, Angola)
Found not taken (Venice Biennale), 2013
Estimate: 9000 / 12000 €
In West Africa, Benin is honored with a dedicated focus, highlighting this country that recently came to the forefront through the impressive exhibition presented in Cotonou in Spring/Summer 2022. The exhibition is comprised of a set of historic artifacts returned by France. This revelation of an ambitious national museum project covering both heritage and contemporary art has also been corroborated with the creation of the Cotonou Gallery Weekend, whose first edition was held in September 2022.
Hotegni Daniel Dansou (b. 1986, Benin)
Le garage (The garage), 2013
Estimate: 3000 / 5000 €
Finally, the great favorites of the African scenes are present: NDary Lo, Chéri Samba, Frédéric Bruly Bouabré, Seydou Keïta, Barthélémy Toguo, and more.
