Renowned South African artist: William Kentridge

One of the most well-known South African artists is William Kentridge. His high-quality drawings are in high demand around the globe and reflect his visions of South African. Those are two of the many reasons why we choose to feature him in the monthly biography slot for January.

History: William Kentridge

William Kentridge was born in Johannesburg in 1955. Thinking outside of the lines, so to speak, was how he was raised, as both of his parents were anti-apartheid lawyers. He went on to earn a BA in Politics and African Studies from the University of the Witwatersrand and then specialized in art at the Johannesburg Art Foundation. Given this education, it is perhaps not surprising that he specializes in political art.

Artistic Background of William Kentridge

The South African artist chooses to focus on a specific technique, which is charcoal drawings that he enhances with pastel colours. As for the subject matter, many William Kentridge artworks look at the life and landscapes of Johannesburg, questioning political landscapes and other parts of South African culture.

William Kentridge Artworks

The talented artist has had several solo exhibitions to date, including at The Museum of Contemporary Arts in San Diego and The Drawing Center in New York. As well, he has achieved gallery representation at The Goodman Gallery in Johannesburg.

William Kentridge’s artworks build on the South African artist’s personal experiences, growing in impact even more when he collaborates with animators, puppeteers, and other artists. For example, his drawings have formed the basis for several animated films. The first animated film that Kentridge made was in 1989, and it was called Johannesburg, 2^nd Greatest City After Paris.

As well, his drawings have served as the backdrops for impressive stage productions with the Handspring Puppet Company that tackle issues such as ethics and modernity. The future of William Kentridge’s career is bright. He is a shining example of creative possibilities, especially when they centre on reflections about South Africa.