29th Oct, 2025 12:00
Modern & Contemporary African & Middle Eastern Art
12
STELLA SHAWZIN (SOUTH AFRICAN 1920-2020)
CROUCHING WOMAN
initialled SS on the base
aragonite marble
42 x 25 x 30cm; 16 1/2 x 9 3/4 x 11 3/4in
Property of a Private Collector, Cambridge
Provenance
Die Kunskamer, Cape Town
Sale, Bonhams, London, The Studio of Stella Shawzin, 1 September 2021, lot 70
Acquired from the above auction by the present owner
The DinksFãStan Private Collection, Cambridge, UK
Born in Transvaal, South Africa, Stella Shawzin witnessed the impact of Apartheid early in life. Initially passionate about the performing arts, she trained as an actor, singer, and dancer, appearing in UK plays and films in her twenties. She later studied painting under Martin Bloch in London, attended the 57th Street Art Students League in New York, and furthered her skills at Pratt Institute. Ultimately, Shawzin focused on sculpture, mastering materials like bronze, wood, metal, and marble—establishing a foundry in Cape Town and carving marble in Carrara, Italy. Her works are known for their sense of lightness and movement. Shawzin is recognized as a leading figure in South African modern art.
Sold for £1,000
CROUCHING WOMAN
initialled SS on the base
aragonite marble
42 x 25 x 30cm; 16 1/2 x 9 3/4 x 11 3/4in
Property of a Private Collector, Cambridge
Provenance
Die Kunskamer, Cape Town
Sale, Bonhams, London, The Studio of Stella Shawzin, 1 September 2021, lot 70
Acquired from the above auction by the present owner
The DinksFãStan Private Collection, Cambridge, UK
Born in Transvaal, South Africa, Stella Shawzin witnessed the impact of Apartheid early in life. Initially passionate about the performing arts, she trained as an actor, singer, and dancer, appearing in UK plays and films in her twenties. She later studied painting under Martin Bloch in London, attended the 57th Street Art Students League in New York, and furthered her skills at Pratt Institute. Ultimately, Shawzin focused on sculpture, mastering materials like bronze, wood, metal, and marble—establishing a foundry in Cape Town and carving marble in Carrara, Italy. Her works are known for their sense of lightness and movement. Shawzin is recognized as a leading figure in South African modern art.
Auction: Modern & Contemporary African & Middle Eastern Art, 29th Oct, 2025
If you want to start collecting striking modern and contemporary art in a newly developing market, our sales are for you. Each spring and autumn, the Modern and Contemporary African and Middle Eastern Department hold tightly curated, live and online auctions. Expect to find Arab artists such as Tahia Halim, Seif Wanly, Mahmoud Said and Mohanna Durra. African artists featured have ranged from modern masters such as Ablade Glover, Sam Ntiro and Jacob Hendrik Pierneef, to contemporary artists George Lilanga, Jilali Gharbaoui, Famakan Magassa, Christano Mangovo, Oluwole Omofemi, Esther Mahlangu and Brett Seiler.
PUBLIC EXHIBITION:
Sunday 26th October: 12pm to 4pm
Monday 27th October: 10am to 8pm (Drinks 5-8pm)
Tuesday 28th October: 10am to 5pm
