Auction Alert: We Ain’t dED Yet

Zedsy - 'Stop Bombing'

We Ain’t dED Yet is a timed, online auction that’s live right now. It ends on Sunday 17th September 2023 at 3pm. There are 26 lots in total, donated by artists such as Gavin Turk, Adam Broomberg, Jeremy Deller and Imranovi. In the run-up to the sale, the items form an exhibition at Gallery 46 in Whitechapel, London.

Back for its 4th edition, Art the Arms Fair and Demilitarise Education are presenting We Ain’t dED Yet, an exhibition aiming to expose and oppose DSEI arms fair through art. The award-winning art exhibition runs from 11-17 September and culminates with a cross-category online auction… The proceeds will be donated to support the work of Demilitarise Education in their campaign for universities to sever ties with the global arms trade.

EPI, 'GUNRUNNER'

Lot 1: EPI

‘GUNRUNNER’
Silkscreen print on 350gsm watercolour paper. Unframed dimensions: 59.4cm x 84.1cm. Produced in 2023 specifically for this exhibition. This is a unique work. The artist produced 2 smaller sized AP’s in the following dimensions: 29.7cm x 42cm.
Estimate: £1,000 – £3,000

To participate in Art The Arms Fair this year will be a wonderful opportunity both to protest against the senseless commercialisation of war, and in some small way to lend my voice along with some hugely talented artists in supporting the commendable work of dED_ucation. Plus it’s one in the eye for Oxford University, who turned me down for a modern languages degree and forced me into a life of painting crap for a living. C’est la vie, I suppose. – EPI

Ken Nwadiogbu - 'Freedom to Love 2'

Lot 2: Ken Nwadiogbu

‘Freedom to Love 2’
Charcoal and acrylic on cardboard paper. This is a unique work. Signed on verso. Produced in 2022. Unframed dimensions: 41cm x 41cm.
Estimate: £1,200 – £1,900

I recall an article I encountered, bearing the headline “FINALLY FREE.” It sparked a reflection on the significance of freedom and our unending pursuit to liberate ourselves from various burdens: be it pain, debt, memories, obstacles, illness, or the chains of enslavement. The discourse on freedom serves as a poignant reminder of its immeasurable worth, reigniting our resolute commitment to its attainment. Within the realm of Freedom Protesters, my endeavor revolves around crafting a protest tableau utilizing the simplest of protest materials—the humble cardboard paper. – Ken Nwadiogbu

Kyle Goen - 'Gaza Love Stamp'

Lot 4: Kyle Goen

‘Gaza Love Stamp’
30 stamps on a sheet. Dimensions of each unframed stamp sheet: 21.6cm x 28cm. The auction lot includes 5 sheets. Produced in 2023. Limited edition of 100. Numbered on recto. Artwork for sale includes 51/100, 52/100, 53/100, 54/100, 55/100.
Estimate: £200 – £600

Gaza Love was more influenced by General Idea’s AIDS piece and Rage Against The Machine’s ‘Renegades’ album cover than Robert Indiana. However I realize neither transgression would have been possible without Indiana’s iconic LOVE.

Why am I participating in this year’s edition of Art The Arms Fair? Any chance to act in solidarity with Palestine or with people working in solidarity with Palestine, is a must for me. – Kyle Goen

Kyle Goen - 'Let Art Be Training in the Practice of Freedom'

Lot 6: Kyle Goen

‘Let Art Be Training in the Practice of Freedom’
Button up shirt, mixed media. Framed dimensions will be updated in due course. This is a unique work, artist’s own. Produced in 2022.
Estimate: £320 – £480

The ‘Let Art Be Training In the Practice of Freedom’ shirt was in my show of the same name, and is a humble attempt at honouring Vivienne Westwood for everything she did trying to transform society. – Kyle Goen

Gavin Turk - 'Fire Water'

Lot 10: Gavin Turk

‘Fire Water’
Gold foil, glass bottle and shelf. This is a unique work. Produced in 2019. Sculpture dimensions: 36.2cm x 9.8cm x 7.7cm. Shelf dimensions: 25cm x 15cm x 13cm. COA provided by the artist upon acquisition.
Estimate: £8,000 – £12,000

In today’s political and environmental climate, it is more important than ever to decouple education and the arms trade, and bring about peace and understanding – Gavin Turk

Dr.d aka Subvertiser - 'Reduce Greed Now'

Lot 12: Dr.d aka Subvertiser

‘Reduce Greed Now’
Hand-pulled screen print on a recycled road sign, made with permanent vegetable inks (eco-friendly, water based). Limited edition of 50, numbered and signed on verso. Artwork for acquisition is 3/50. In collaboration with Carry On Screening. Unframed dimensions: 52.7cm x 44cm. COA available upon acquisition from the artist. Produced in 2022.
Estimate: £150 – £300

Elizabeth Eade - 'Bang'

Lot 16: Elizabeth Eade

‘Bang’
Mixed media, including second world war bullets, crystals and 24k gold. Dimensions are approx. 45cm x 45cm x 45cm. Produced in 2023 specifically for this exhibition. This is a unique work.
Estimate: £2,000 – £4,000

‘Bang’ commands attention. Yet, beneath the surface lies a profound exploration of the consequences of our actions and the lasting impact they leave on the world. The striking contrast between the burgundy velvet base and the mirror, immediately draws the viewer’s attention. The darkness of the bloodied velvet serves as a poignant backdrop for the shattered round mirror, hinting at a narrative of destruction and loss. The choice of 24k gold-plated Second World War bullets accentuates the sculpture’s underlying message. Each bullet, adorned in gold, carries with it the weight of historical conflicts and human suffering. The juxtaposition of opulence and warfare serves as a powerful commentary on the links between luxury culture, capitalism and war. – Elizabeth Eade

Zedsy - 'Stop Bombing'

Lot 23: Zedsy

‘Stop Bombing’
Spray paint on aluminium road sign. Unframed dimensions: 45cm x 45cm. Produced in 2023. This is a unique work. COA provided by the artist upon acquisition.
Estimate: £400 – £600

Graffiti artists and military personnel have a lot in common – we both spray our ammunition. But paint is a bit less deadly and can be used as a force for good. – Zedsy

Auction alert: Modern & Contemporary African Art

Yusuf Adebayo Cameron Grillo - "The Seventh Knot", 1969

The Modern & Contemporary African Art auction takes place on Wednesday 22nd March 2023 from 3pm, at Bonhams in their New Bond Street, London location. There are 67 lots in the sale, with estimates ranging from £700 to £500,000.

The fine art on sale is from across the continent and a range of mediums; South Africa, Nigeria, Ethiopia and the Ivory Coast. Oil on canvas, wooden sculpture and gouache on card and – my favourite item in the sale – a chimp created out of old vehicle tyres. It immediately reminded me of a piece that I saw in the Picasso Museum in Paris many years ago. It was a sculpture of a baboon and young where the mother’s face was composed of a pair of bronze casts of toy Citroen 2CVs.

Buyer’s premium rates
 are as follows:

27.5% on the first £20,000 of the hammer price
26% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £20,000 up to and including £700,000
20% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £700,000 up to and including £4,500,000
14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,000

VAT at the current rate of 20% will be added to the Buyer’s Premium and charges excluding Artists Resale Right.

Zanele Muholi - "Ngizwile", 2021

Lot 3: Zanele Muholi (South African, born 1972)
Ngizwile, 2021
signed, titled and dated ‘Zanele Muholi/ Ngizwile/ 2021/ 120x180cm/ ZM’ (verso)
acrylic on canvas
180 x 120cm (70 7/8 x 47 1/4in).
(unframed)
Estimate: £10,000 – £15,000

Afewerk Tekle - Ibeji and other objects

Lot 12: Afewerk Tekle (Ethiopian, 1932-2012)
Ibeji and other objects
signed and dated in Amharic and ‘afewerk tekle/1964’ (lower left)
oil on canvas on board
50.5 x 75.4cm (19 7/8 x 29 11/16in).
(unframed)
Estimate: £8,000 – £12,000

Abdoulaye Diarrassouba "Aboudia" - Untitled

Lot 14: Abdoulaye Diarrassouba “Aboudia” (Ivorian, born 1983)
Untitled
signed ‘ABOUDIA/ 18’ (lower right)
oil stick, acrylic and collage on canvas
100 x 100cm (39 3/8 x 39 3/8in).
(unframed)
Estimate: £30,000 – £50,000

Yusuf Adebayo Cameron Grillo - "The Seventh Knot", 1969

Lot 17: Yusuf Adebayo Cameron Grillo (Nigerian, 1934-2021)
The Seventh Knot, 1969
signed and dated ‘Y GRILLO/ 69′ (lower left); inscribed ’22/ THE SEVENTH KNOT/ OIL ON BOARD BY/ Y.A GRILLO 1969’ (verso)
oil on board
121 x 75cm (47 5/8 x 29 1/2in).
(framed)
Estimate: £150,000 – £200,000

Ablade Glover - "Pot Sellers"

Lot 21: Ablade Glover (Ghanaian, born 1934)
Pot Sellers
signed and dated ‘Glo/ 12’ (lower right); inscribed ‘Market Profile pot sellers, Glo -86/012, 40×60’ (verso)
oil on canvas
102 x 152cm (40 3/16 x 59 13/16in).
(framed)
Estimate: £12,000 – £18,000

Benedict Chukwukadibia Enwonwu M.B.E. - "Africa Dances", 1991

Lot 24: Benedict Chukwukadibia Enwonwu M.B.E (Nigerian, 1917-1994)
Africa Dances, 1991
signed and dated ‘BEN ENWONWU 1991’ (lower left)
oil on canvas
70 x 60cm (27 9/16 x 23 5/8in).
(framed)
Estimate: £150,000 – £200,000

Ablade Glover - "Lorry Station"

Lot 27: Ablade Glover (Ghanaian, born 1934)
Lorry Station
signed and dated ‘Glo/ 20’ (lower right)
oil on canvas
102 x 102cm (40 3/16 x 40 3/16in).
(unframed)
Estimate: £5,000 – £8,000

Stanley Faraday Pinker - "Untitled "

Lot 30: Stanley Faraday Pinker (South African, 1924-2012)
Untitled
signed ‘SF Pinker’ (lower left); bears ‘John Mathieson & Co., Edinburgh’ label (verso)
oil on board
21.1 x 43.7cm (8 5/16 x 17 3/16in).
(framed)
Estimate: £4,000 – £6,000

Lucas Tandokwazi Sithole - Sculpture

Lot 36: Lucas Tandokwazi Sithole (South African, 1931-1994)
Sculpture
signed ‘L.T.SITHOLE’ (to the base)
wood
46.5 x 10 x 9cm (18 5/16 x 3 15/16 x 3 9/16in)
Estimate: £3,000 – £5,000

Irma Stern - "Still life of fish"

Lot 41: Irma Stern (South African, 1894-1966)
Still life of fish
signed and dated ‘Irma Stern/ 1939’ (centre right)
oil on canvas
49.7 x 59.7cm (19 9/16 x 23 1/2in).
(framed)
Estimate: £30,000 – £50,000

Benedict Chukwukadibia Enwonwu M.B.E. - "Dancer", 1958

Lot 53: Benedict Chukwukadibia Enwonwu M.B.E. (Nigerian, 1917-1994)
Dancer, 1958
signed and dated ‘Ben Enwonwu/ 1958′ (lower left); inscribed ’22’ (verso)
gouache on card
53 x 13cm (20 7/8 x 5 1/8in).
(framed)
Estimate: £10,000 – £15,000

Ernest Nkwocha - "Deep Thought", 2021

Lot 66: Ernest Nkwocha (Nigerian, born 1986)
Deep Thought, 2021,
signed ‘ERNEST NKWOCHA’ (right shoulder)
wire, nails, and repurposed tyres on plinth
60 x 53 x 42cm (23 5/8 x 20 7/8 x 16 9/16in).
Estimate: £3,000 – £5,000

Designer Desire: Karel Lek

Montage of Karel Lek artworks

Karel Lek discovered his love for art as a four year old when his father would take him to museums in Antwerp where he found inspiration in Belgian artists such as Constant Permeke and James Ensor.

Lek (1929-2020) and his family fled Antwerp during WWII, arriving as Jewish refugees to North Wales in 1940 when he was still a young boy. He lived there for 17 years before he moved to Beaumaris on Anglesey.

All I ever wanted to be was a painter and coming to Wales really helped me achieve my dream.

He was educated at Friars Grammar School in Bangor and, between 1946 & 52, attended Liverpool College of Art. In 1955, Karel Lek became a member of the Royal Cambrian Academy and was awarded an MBE in 2005.

Because I am an artist, north Wales, Anglesey and Gwynedd, are my main source of inspiration.

Karel Lek exhibited across Wales and in London, Amsterdam and Chicago. His work is contained within the collections of Contemporary Art Society for Wales, National Library of Wales, University of Bangor, Oriel Ynys Môn and Kansas City Art Gallery.

When you are dead, you’re work becomes your heart and your name becomes a brand. I hope I will have left behind a legacy.

Portrait of Karel Lekcredit

Additional image credits:
Art UK | Ask Art | Invaluable

Auction Alert: Rogers Jones Co Welsh Sale

3 Welsh love spoons

The Rogers Jones Co Welsh Sale takes place on Saturday 19th November 2022, from 9am at their Cardiff site.

Of the 608 lots on offer, our favourites by far are the antique Welsh lovespoons. There’s even one example (lot #592) that’s perfect for us; it’s carved with an ‘A’ and a ‘J’… for Adelle & Justin!

Rogers Jones Co’s buyer’s premium stands at 28.8%. There will be an added fee if you bid via The Saleroom. Before bidding on any original artworks please bear in mind:

There will also be a Droit de Suite / Artist’s Resale Right charge of 4% on original artwork by EEA based artists on hammer prices of 1000 euros or over (GBP equivalent)

KAREL LEK limited-edition print

Lot 19: KAREL LEK limited edition (13/13) print
Seated male with pint glass and cigarette, signed in pencil
Dimensions: 33 x 26cms
Provenance: private collection Gwynedd
Condition report: framed and glazed, no problems
Estimate: £100 – £200

PAUL PETER PIECH limited-edition, 3-colour lithograph

Lot 34: PAUL PETER PIECH limited edition (8/25) three-colour lithograph
Homage to R S Thomas, signed and dated 1993, signed
Dimensions: 53 x 44cms
Provenance: private collection Cardiff
Condition report: framed and glazed
Estimate: £150 – £250

VALERIE GANZ limited-edition print

Lot 36: VALERIE GANZ limited edition (4/50) print
Head and shoulders study of four miners entitled ‘Leaving the Coalface’, signed
Dimensions: 18 x 38cms
Provenance: private collection South East of England
Condition report: framed and glazed, ready to hang
Estimate: £150 – £200

MIKE JONES mixed media colourwash & ink

Lot 155: MIKE JONES mixed media, colourwash and ink
Seated gentleman with legs crossed, signed
Dimensions: 22 x 17cms
Provenance: private collection Cardiff
Condition report: framed and glazed, no problems
Estimate: £300 – £500

MURIEL DELAYAHE oil on board

Lot 468: MURIEL DELAYAHE oil on board
Two figures struggling with umbrellas, signed
Dimensions: 46 x 61cms
Provenance: private collection Ynys Mon
Condition report: framed, sl. attention required to frame, ready to hang
Estimate: £2,000 – £3,000

ARTS & CRAFTS SLIPWARE POTTERY JUG BY HORACE ELLIOTT

Lot 565: AN IMPORTANT ARTS & CRAFTS SLIPWARE POTTERY JUG BY HORACE ELLIOTT
Yellow glaze and brown slip, of baluster form tapering to a circular spreading foot, with angel wing-form handle and wide curved spout, sgraffito feathers to wing and to the body ‘Here is a mixture, of Earth and Heaven, An Angel’s wing to a pitcher given, Take hold of the wing, for a handle, pray! Or the vessel of earth may fly away’. signed at foot ‘Copyright Horace Elliott’ and at base ‘Elliott, London 1893’
Dimensions: 28cms high
Provenance: private collection Kansas City, USA
Condition report: minor losses to glaze, crazing / stress marks from use as a vase but excellent overall
Tip of feather chipped and other small chips to handle. Slip glaze faults beneath spout.
Estimate: £700 – £1,000

WILLIAM IV WELSH NEEDLEWORK SAMPLER

Lot 572: WILLIAM IV WELSH NEEDLEWORK SAMPLER
By Rachael John, aged 14, Narberth, December 3 1832, decorated with alphabet, numbers, four-line poem, birds, trees, house, Adam & Eve under the tree of life etc
Dimensions: 40 x 41cms
Provenance: deceased estate South Wales
Condition report: framed and glazed, faded and browned. There are some holes present, mainly around the edges. The sampler has faded and browned in colour.
Estimate: £200 – £300

3 Welsh love spoons

Lot 591: LATE 18TH CENTURY CARVED TREEN WELSH LOVE SPOON
Having a pointed bowl to an unusual openwork stem to the arched handle, profusely carved with opposing geometric shapes, panels and hearts and with the letters ‘N’ and ‘S’ to flank a centre spoked wheel
Dimensions: 25.5cms long
Provenance: private collection Denbighshire
Condition report: good overall, old repair and splits to decoration, small chips as one would expect
Estimate: £500 – £700

Lot 592: LARGE WELSH LOVESPOON
Early 19th Century, pointed bowl, long-handle with dome top having geometric pierce-work carving and inlay within sgraffito-line frame and painted sgraffito initials ‘A J’
Dimensions: 35.5cms
Provenance: private collection Denbighshire, by descent
Condition report: small nicks to bowl tip, split in terminal
Estimate: £1,000 – £1,500

Lot 593: RARE WELSH YEW DOUBLE BOWL LOVESPOON
Late 18th Century, having pointed bowls with pierce-work handle of centre triskele (trisgel), flanking hearts and flowers, repeated piercework at terminal
Dimensions: 23cms long
Provenance: private collection Denbighshire, by descent
Condition report: restored break
Estimate: £1,500 – £2,000