We use cookies to remember choices you make on functionality and personal features to enhance your experience to our site.
By continuing to use our site you consent to the use of cookies. Please refer to our
privacy
and cookie policies for more information.
Chéri Samba (Democratic Republic of Congo, born 1956)
La Democratie? signed and dated 'Cheri Samba/ D.1995' (lower right) oil on canvas 83.5 x 103.5cm (32 7/8 x 40 3/4in).
Footnotes
In this painting, the artist explores his nation's problematic relationship with democratic rule. The inscription at the top of the painting reads:
"Dificile de repondre a ces deux questions dans un continent qui n'a pas eu des traditions democratique: est ce que la democratie est-elle l'unique idee pour qu'un pays se developpe??? Que disons-nous alors de la chine?"
("It is difficult to respond to the question [of democracy] in a continent that has not had democratic traditions: is democracy the only way for a country to develop? What can we say of China then?"]
The inscription along the lower margin reads:
"Depuis que le processus de democration a commence, rien n'est encore fait qui puisse satisfaire les Africains. On a l'impression comme si la democratie continue a gagner du terrain parce que les politiciens Africains n'ont pas encore d'oreilles pour ecouter les propos des autres et malgre ca, ils sont encourages par par les soit disant donneur de bons exemples."
(Since the process of democratisation began, nothing has been done to satisfy the African people. It seems that democracy continues to gain ground because the African politicians do not have ears for the words of others, and despite that are encouraged by so-called good examples"]
This painting was so popular, that Samba executed another version in 2003 which was offered in our saleroom in 2012.
Contacts
Eliza Sawyer
Auction administration
-
African Modern & Contemporary Art
This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any complaints or questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest customer services team.
Buyers' Premium and Charges
For all Sales categories, buyer's premium excluding Cars, Motorbikes, Wine and Coin & Medal sales, will be as follows:
Buyer's Premium Rates 27.5% on the first £2,500 of the hammer price; 25% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £2,500 up to and including £300,000; 20% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £300,000 up to and including £3,000,000; and 13.9% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £3,000,000.
VAT at the current rate of 20% will be added to the Buyer's Premium and charges excluding Artists Resale Right.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licenses please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.