Renowned exiled South African artist, Dumile Feni’s work broke an auctioning world record recently; reminding the world of his powerful gift to share empathy through art.
Johannesburg, South Africa (23 May, 2023)— Zwelidumile Geelboi Mgxaji Mslaba Feni or ‘Dumile Feni’ was a force to be reckoned with when it came to translating emotions through art, at a time in South Africa when it wasn’t so simple.
Recently, his memory was honoured with a world record-breaking auction fetch in Joburg, the same city where his affinity for drawing came to life.
Born and raised in the Western Cape, Feni made his way to Johannesburg in the 50s where he honed his artistic skills as an apprentice. However, it was during his time recovering from tuberculosis that he focused on drawing, curating a unique style that would see hospital murals as some of his first exhibitions, as Strauss & Co share.
Feni was faced with a decision shortly after representing South Africa at the Sao Paulo Biennale in 1967—to be deported to Queenstown or Worcester under the Pass Laws. He chose to self-exile to London instead and later, the USA where he shared his inherent creativity with the world as one of the pioneers of South African modern art against every socio-political odd.
Feni passed away before the new South Africa was born, but his work still champions fascination and appreciation to this day.
His world record moment saw Blue Suede Shoe sell for R2 287 500 million, with the auctioneers sharing:
“The new benchmark price for Dumile Feni is an important milestone for this artist, who was a dynamic figure in South African art circles of the 1960s.”
Feni is one of the South African artists who went against the grain and inspired others to do the same, which is why the recent record is more than a number.
As Justice Albie Sachs noted, his work embodies the ideals and values which we cherish in a democratic South Africa and which are enshrined in our Bill of Rights.
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