Painted between 1945 and 1947, The Artist’s Brother is a deeply personal work that marked a crucial turning point in Sekoto’s life. Created while he lived in Eastwood, a Black dormitory suburb of Pretoria, the painting reflects his exploration of urban African life and the tensions between tradition and modernity. Sekoto’s brother, Bernard, is depicted in a contemplative pose, surrounded by elements that symbolize both his roots and his aspirations—an African grass mat juxtaposed against suburban furniture.
The painting’s significance extends beyond its artistic value—it played a direct role in funding Sekoto’s self-imposed exile to Paris. In 1947, amid the increasing racial segregation of South Africa, Sekoto sold The Artist’s Brother at an exhibition in Pretoria, using the proceeds to relocate to Europe. He would never return to his homeland, but his career flourished internationally, cementing his legacy as a pioneer of Modern African art.
Helene Love-Allotey, Head of Bonhams’ Modern & Contemporary African Art Department, highlighted the exceptional nature of this sale: “Gerard Sekoto’s The Artist’s Brother is a particularly special work, and a highly sought-after moment in his oeuvre before his voluntary exile from South Africa. It is unsurprising that this rare work sparked such excitement amongst collectors, and we are delighted that the results of the sale reflect the exceptional quality of the works offered.”
