Oil on canvas board, signed and dated 1973. On display and not for sale. Reference SN1060.
Inspired by Sekoto’s visit to Senegal in 1966, this painting brings together the two worlds of Senegal and Paris. The artist described how his time in Senegal encouraged looser, freer lines, while the slow, elegant movement of the people left a lasting impression. He was particularly struck by the women’s seemingly effortless walk and their lack of concern for their surroundings.
Barbara Lindop documents comparable works from this period in her 1995 book, The Art of Gerard Sekoto.
Sekoto left South Africa for Paris in 1947 and never returned to his country of birth. His experiences in France brought new inspiration, leading him to revisit subjects and explore different themes while maintaining a deep sense of humanity in his work.
His career included exhibitions across South Africa and internationally, with a retrospective at Johannesburg Art Gallery in 1989. That year, he received an honorary doctorate from the University of the Witwatersrand and was recognised as a Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres.
Provenance
Passed by descent before being acquired around 1995 through Alan Higgs, son of Anne Higgs and related to Johannesburg art framer Stephen Higgs. Stephen introduced the purchaser to the opportunity when the previous owner was selling works to fund a trip to Australia.
Sold through Strauss & Co in 2024 and subsequently acquired by The Gallery at Hayling.
