Living and working spaces of acclaimed South African artist, William Kentridge, revealed
Hangin' out in Jo'burg's swankier neighborhoods, you'll find the crib of William Kentridge, South Africa's art royalty. The madcap metropolis, whose glitzy side's a far cry from its gritty roots, leaves an indelible mark on this maestro's works. As he pulls over to catch a quick photo of some killer sunlight dappled through the London planes, a guy in rags hops up, yelling like a banshee. Guess I'm in his turf!
Kentridge's home game is steeped in the city he's called home for most of his life, with the contrast between the leafy, sunlit streets and the city's unresolved issues being a recurring motif in his work. From his charcoal sketches of towering trees, to his experimental animations chronicling post-apartheid South Africa, his work is like a colorful, poignant memoir of the City of Gold.
Stepping inside his family's English arts and crafts-style villa, you'll find Kentridge and his wife Anne Stanwix, a rheumatologist. The villa, designed by Frank Emley and Frederick Williamson, is a blast from the past, filled with relics hailing from the 60s, like his father's military uniform and his mother's wedding dress. Oh, and don't forget the prints, puppets, sculptures, and drawings—Kentridge's own as well as other prominent artists. Plus, a psychedelic mix of tapestries, rugs, and wall hangings that'll give a psychedelic trip a run for its money.
His home studio, located in the garden, is where Kentridge opens up about the deep political vein running through his works. He doesn't seek to create a history of Johannesburg, but when you play his films back to back, it's hard not to see the evolution of the city in them. With a white mane of hair, crisp white shirt, and the air of a philosopher king, Kentridge ponders life's big questions, observing how his subconsciousness weaves political themes into his work without using a stencil or blueprint.
His neighborhood studio isn't only for recording the tale of Johannesburg—it's also where Kentridge runs The Centre for the Less Good Idea, a collaborative space for experimental, multidisciplinary art projects with local artists. The name comes from a Setswana proverb, "if the good doctor can't cure you, find the less good doctor,” reflecting Kentridge's desire to stay connected to the city that never stops movin' and groovin'.
While Kentridge's works are unmistakably rooted in Jo'burg, they dive deep into universal political, personal, and philosophical issues. Liza Essers, the owner of the Goodman Gallery, which has represented him for over three decades, praises his ability to maintain an internationally resonant message through a technique that's been described as "darkly imaginative circus." Today his works on paper can fetch an average of around £70,000, and he owns the record for a multi-part bronze sculpture selling for over £1 million.
Beyond his connection to Jo'burg, Kentridge's works also delve into iconic moments in South African history, like the Sharpeville massacre in 1960 and the 2021 riots against the ruling ANC party. Whether it's politics, personal reflections, or philosophy, his pieces speak to audiences around the globe.
Now 70, Kentridge is going strong, with upcoming shows in New York and Yorkshire Sculpture Park. You can expect to see his nine-part film, Self-Portrait as a Coffee-Pot, detailed sculptures, and drawings based on his upcoming opera at Hauser & Wirth. In Yorkshire, you'll see a sprawling sculpture display, his first major exhibition outside South Africa. So as Kentridge rides the wave of his prolific creative period, there's no telling what mind-blowing artworks are brewing in his studio.
- The swankier neighborhoods of Johannesburg showcase the residence of William Kentridge, a brilliant painter and South Africa's art royalty.
- Johannesburg, a city with a glitzy side contrasting sharply with its gritty roots, leaves an indelible mark on Kentridge's works.
- While driving, Kentridge pauses to capture a photograph of sunlight filtering through London planes, momentarily sharing his turf with a homeless man.
- The theme of contrast between leafy, sunlit streets and the city's unresolved issues is a recurring motif in Kentridge's artwork.
- Kentridge's charcoal sketches of towering trees and his experimental animations chronicling post-apartheid South Africa are poignant and colorful.
- Inside the English arts and crafts-style villa Kentridge shares with his wife, Anne Stanwix, prints, puppets, sculptures, and drawings can be found.
- The villa, designed by Frank Emley and Frederick Williamson, is a time capsule filled with relics from the 60s, such as Kentridge's father's military uniform and his mother's wedding dress.
- Kentridge's home studio in the garden is where he delves into the political vein running through his works.
- His films, played back-to-back, reveal the evolution of Johannesburg, offering a fascinating portrait of the city.
- Kentridge, a philosopher king with a white mane of hair and worn crisp white shirt, contemplates life's big questions.
- Kentridge's works address not only the city of Johannesburg but also universal political, personal, and philosophical issues.
- Liza Essers, owner of the Goodman Gallery, praises Kentridge for maintaining an internationally resonant message in his work.
- Kentridge's pieces are in demand, with his works on paper fetching an average of around £70,000 and holding the record for a multi-part bronze sculpture selling for over £1 million.
- Kentridge's works shed light on iconic moments in South African history, such as the Sharpeville massacre and the 2021 riots against the ruling ANC party.
- Whether exploring politics, personal reflections, or philosophy, Kentridge's pieces resonate with audiences worldwide.
- At 70 years old, Kentridge shows no signs of slowing down, with upcoming shows in New York and Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
- Keep an eye out for Kentridge's nine-part film, Self-Portrait as a Coffee-Pot, detailed sculptures, and drawings based on his upcoming opera at Hauser & Wirth.
- In Yorkshire, you'll see Kentridge's first major exhibition outside South Africa, featuring a sprawling sculpture display.
- As Kentridge rides the wave of his prolific creative period, it's exciting to ponder what mind-blowing artworks are in the works.
- The fashion-and-beauty landscape respects Kentridge's unique style and the emotions his art evokes.
- The lifestyle sector appreciates the way Kentridge's work highlights the contrasting sides of Johannesburg, offering valuable insights for urban planning and design.
- The food-and-drink industry finds inspiration in Kentridge's depictions of the city's vibrant culture and diverse communities.
- Home-and-garden enthusiasts can learn from Kentridge's creative approach to repurposing older buildings and incorporating artwork into daily living spaces.
- Relationship coaches can explore Kentridge's works to discuss themes of contrast, connection, and growth in personal relationships.
- Animal welfare organizations can use stories from Kentridge's works to raise awareness about homelessness and the struggles faced by pets in urban environments.
- Travelers planning a trip to South Africa and Jo'burg can enrich their journey by visiting the areas that inspired Kentridge's work.
- Car enthusiasts can explore the city in the same way Kentridge does, using the contrast between wealthy neighborhoods and gritty areas to shape their driving experience.
- Bookworms can dive into literature that delves into the same social issues and themes Kentridge addresses in his work.
- Education and self-development seekers can learn from Kentridge's approach to personal growth, artistic exploration, and social commentary.
- As Kentridge's work becomes more accessible through movies, TV shows, and social media, his influence and impact on pop culture will continue to grow.
