Ep 2. William Kentrdge: Anything Is Possible
- October 21, 2010
In the second episode of season 6 of Art in the Twenty-First Century, we take a closer look at the work of William Kentridge, an acclaimed South African artist. The episode explores Kentridge's interdisciplinary practice, including his work as a filmmaker, theater director, and visual artist.
Throughout the episode, Kentridge discusses his creative process and the evolution of his work over time. He reflects on the political and social context of his home country, South Africa, and how it informs his art. Kentridge's work often explores themes of history, memory, and power, and he discusses how he uses his art to reflect on the complex legacies of colonialism and apartheid in South Africa.
The episode includes an in-depth look at some of Kentridge's most well-known pieces, including his animated films and large-scale sculptures. Viewers will see the process behind creating Kentridge's signature animation style, which involves layering hundreds of drawings on top of each other to create a richly textured, filmic effect. We also see the creation of some of Kentridge's sculptures, which he creates using found materials collected from the streets of Johannesburg.
One particularly interesting aspect of the episode is the exploration of Kentridge's work in theater. We see footage from his productions of classic operas, as well as his original play, The Head and the Load, which premiered in 2018. Kentridge discusses the challenges of bringing such ambitious productions to the stage, and how he thinks about using theater to engage with historical and political themes.
Throughout the episode, we hear from other artists and scholars who have worked with or been inspired by Kentridge's work. These interviews help to situate Kentridge's practice within larger conversations about contemporary art, postcolonial politics, and the role of the artist in society.
Overall, William Kentridge: Anything Is Possible is a fascinating exploration of one of the most important contemporary artists working today. Whether you're a longtime fan of Kentridge or are encountering his work for the first time, this episode offers a thought-provoking glimpse into a singular artistic vision.
