The world of art is wide and varied. Across the world, there are various types of artists, including visual artists, to musicians to actors. The word “artist” tends to encompass a lot of meaning to it.
A simple Google search on trying to find rich artists in South Africa delivers various results, ranging from the richest rappers in the country, to the richest musicians in Africa.
Finding information about visual artists can be much trickier in this country. While it’s widely known that there is a multitude of highly talented visual artists in South Africa, it’s much more challenging to find the net worth of these artists.
One of the foremost artists in South Africa is William Kentridge. The South African record for Kentridge is R2.2 million, while a major charcoal drawing could set you back 250 000 Pounds.
One of his works reached $600 000 at Sotheby’s in New York in 2011.
A University of the Witwatersrand graduate, 60-year-old Kentridge continues to produce works which have been exhibited worldwide. He is world-renowned for his artwork and continues to gain positive reviews. His exact net worth hasn’t been determined yet, but his works are among the most sought-after and expensive works in South Africa.
According to American art expert, Arnold Lehman, the South African art world is “marvellous”, optimistic and vibrant. An important question is whether or not this translates into rich artists in South Africa.
Contemporary artists in the country are finding increasing success locally and on a global scale.
On a global scale, it seems that Damien Hirst, the British artist has a fortune estimated at $1 billion, making him the richest living artist in the world. Others have however estimated that his net worth is around $350 million.
Jeff Koons, David Choe and Takashi Murakami are all rich artists who have fortunes north of $100 million.