Joseph "Bertiers" Mbatia, Contemporary African Art Sales at Volta 7

Congratulations to Joseph "Bertiers" Mbatia whose work was collected four-fold by world-renown collector, Jean Pogozzi, at Volta 7, a contemporary art fair that exhibits emerging artists, and serves as a satellite fair to Art Basel.

Robert Rubin African Art Sale at Sothebys - Top Lots

At today's Robert Rubin Collection of African Art, at Sotheby's, a handful of lots surpassed the million dollar mark.  They include:

LOT 9: DOGON N'DULERI MALE ANCESTOR FIGURE, MALI NAME-PIECE OF THE MASTER OF THE SLANTED EYES, CA. 17TH - 18TH CENTURIES, WITH 1950S RESTORATIONS.  Estimate 200,000—300,000 USD; Sold for 1,022,500 USD

LOT 25: BAULE MALE STATUE, IVORY COAST.  Estimate 600,000—900,000 USD; Sold for 1,538,500 USD

LOT 37: YOMBE MATERNITY GROUP, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO.  Estimate 150,000—250,000 USD; Sold for 1,874,500 USD



LOT 49: SONGYE MALE POWER FIGURE, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO.  Estimate 150,000—250,000 USD; Sold for 2,098,500 USD





Sotheby's Sale # N08779, New York grossed total sale of 11,742,188 USD.

Confidence in the Art World Builds

The Wall Street Journal reports that confidence in the art market is building.  Some buyers and sellers of quality pieces are feeling more at ease with consigning.  In some instances, parts of the market mirror the highs of 2007.  Read The Art Market Snaps Back.